With Northland’s Fritter Festival fast approaching, or ‘Fritter’ as it’s known locally, I was searching for information and simply couldn’t find answers to simple questions all in one place. So, I figured, why not create an FAQ page to give all the info you need for a frittertastic festival. After year’s of cancellations and multiple postponements, the Northland Fritter Festival is back for 2023. With breweries, wineries and local restaurants offering up tasty drinks and dishes all day plus amazing music, what’s not to love? Be festival ready – have a read of my Northland Fritter Festival FAQ.


Things To Know For Northland Fritter Festival

When is Fritter Festival in 2023?

Saturday 11th March 2023. Festival gates open at 12pm and festivities continue until 8pm.

Where is Fritter Festival?

Northland’s Fritter Festival is taking place at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei, New Zealand.

How much are Fritter tickets?

Presale General Admission: $74.23 ea ($69.00 + $5.23 fees)
VIP Table of 10: $166.83 ea ($159.00 + $7.83 fees)
Bus Ticket Route 1 – Matapouri to Semenoff Stadium Return: $29.12 ea ($25.00 + $4.12 fees)
Bus Ticket Route 2 – Whangārei Heads to Semenoff Stadium Return: $29.12 ea ($25.00 + $4.12 fees)
Bus Ticket Route 3 – Mangawhai to Semenoff Stadium return: $34.25 ea ($30.00 + $4.25 fees)
Gate Sale – General Admission : $84.48 ea ($79.00 + $5.48 fees) (Available at the gates on 11th March 2023)
Kids under 2yrs: Free!

What’s included in VIP?

VIP is only available as a group of 10 – so you have to buy 10x VIP tickets at once. VIP tickets include 10 tickets with access to the VIP area, a VIP bar, VIP toilets and a table area.

What is the festival layout?

Here is a map of the 2023 festival site

Can I bring the kids?

YES! This event welcomes festival goers of all ages.

Am I allowed to bring a pushchair/buggy

Yes. You can bring your pushchair.

Can I bring my own food & drinks?

No. Personal food and drink is not allowed into the festival. You may bring an empty water bottle. For baby formula or milk, I would suggest you contact the festival organisers via their Facebook Chat.

Who’s performing at Fritter Festival?

There will be performances by the wonderful Coterie, Summer Thieves, Strangely Arousing, Otium, RSB 2.0, Tempist Fijut and Caged.

What should I wear to Fritter Festival?

Whangarei weather is unpredictable at the best of times. I would suggest you wear something that will keep you cool and comfortable during the day, but add a layer or two to your outfit in the evening as it can get chilly. Also, make sure you wear comfortable shoes so you can last all day and dance your way into the night!

Do I get a wristband?

Yes! Your paper or electronic ticket will be scanned and swapped for a festival wristband upon entry.

How can I buy food and drinks at the festival? Do I need Cash?

Fritter Festival, like so many Festivals in New Zealand, operate a AWOP system. A cashless festival payment system whereby each person gets a wristband which can be electronically loaded with money (NZ$) to spend at the festival. Any unused money can be refunded at or after the festival. Most festivals nowadays in New Zealand are cashless – this was the case with Highlife Festival, Electric Avenue Festival and many more!

What should I bring to Fritter Festival?

Knowing what to take to a day festival in New Zealand is essential for a worry free and comfortable experience. Check out my post all about what to take to a day festival in New Zealand to make sure you are festi-ready!

Are there busses/festival transport available?

YES! It is somewhat limited but there are 3 routes available:

Route 1: Matapouri to Semenoff Stadium Return
Pick up points and departing times: Matapouri dairy 11am, Tutukaka Service Station 11.15am, Ngunguru dairy 11.30am

Route 2: Whangarei Heads to Semenoff Stadium Return
Pick up Points and departing times: McLeods Bay The Deck, Reotahi Rd 11.15am, Parua Bay Tavern Car Park, 11.30am, Onerahi Tavern Car Park 11.45am

Route 3: Mangawhai to Semenoff Stadium return
Pick up points and departing times: Mangawhai 10.30am, departs Waipu Cove dairy 10.50am, Waipu Fire Station, Nova Scotia Drive 11.00am, Ruakaka shops 11.30am

Bus tickets can be bought up until 7 March 2023.

Can I leave and re-enter the festival?

No – there is a strict no reentry policy. Once you are in, you are in!

Is there parking available?

There is no parking available at the stadium, however surrounding carparks are available and of course street parking.


Got another question? The festival team are super helpful and responsive on their Facebook Chat service. I would recommend asking them on there if you have any other queries or feel free to leave me a comment and I can see if I can find out for you!

Happy Fritter Fest
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Sophie