Hokitika Wildfoods Festival 2025 in New Zealand

The Hokitika Wildfoods Festival offers a long list of gourmet delights, both rare and expensive, promising a unique culinary experience for adventurous food enthusiasts. Held annually in Cass Square, Hokitika, on New Zealand’s scenic West Coast, the festival showcases a distinctive mix of local delicacies, creative entertainment, and community spirit.

Activities and Culinary Highlights

The festival’s central appeal lies in its daring food offerings, ranging from traditional favorites to experimental creations. Attendees can sample dishes like huhu grubs, an endemic beetle larva described as tasting of chicken and peanut butter, and mountain oysters, a euphemism for lambs' testicles, served fried with flour and seasoning.

Other specialties include whitebait patties, a classic New Zealand omelet featuring tiny fish cooked whole. Vegan options and international dishes will also be available, ensuring a diverse range of choices for all dietary preferences.

Beyond the food, the festival’s activities include cooking demonstrations, live music performances, and competitions such as the Feral Fashion runway, where participants craft wearable art from natural materials. Creative costumes may even earn prizes, adding a playful element to the day’s festivities.

Schedule and Tickets

The gates at Cass Square open at 10:30 am and close at 7 pm, offering a full day of entertainment and culinary exploration. General admission for adults starts at $45, as early bird tickets have already sold out. Youth tickets, for those aged 12 to 17, are priced at $15. Children aged 11 and under can enter for free, provided they have a ticket and are accompanied by an adult, with a maximum of two children per adult.

For those seeking a more luxurious experience, VIP packages are available, offering reserved seating, all-day tapas and grazing platters, private bars, and exclusive facilities. These premium options are priced between $2,000 for a table of eight and $2,500 for a table of ten.

Transport options include a round-trip bus service between Greymouth and Hokitika, available for $35. Additionally, weekend camping at the Sunset Point Campsite is offered for $45 per person, providing amenities such as hot showers and scenic ocean views.

Location and Accessibility

Hokitika, located on New Zealand’s West Coast, is approximately a 3-hour drive from Christchurch. Cass Square, the festival’s venue, is centrally located, making it easily accessible to both locals and visitors. For those staying overnight, Sunset Point Campsite is a popular choice, situated just 100 meters from the town center and offering convenient access to the festival.