Northland Fritter Fesitval

The Northland Fritter Festival is a much-loved celebration of local food, music, and community, held at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei, Northland. Returning on Saturday 8 March 2025, this marks the 10th Fritter Festival since its inception in 2013. Over the years, the festival has become a highlight of Northland's event calendar, showcasing delicious fritters crafted by talented local chefs, accompanied by top-notch live music and relaxed atmosphere. The perfect place to catch up with friends and family. Join us for this special milestone event and be part of the festivities that have brought people together for over a decade!

Line up

Kora: A powerhouse in New Zealand music, Kora blends rock, funk, and reggae, delivering electrifying performances with strong vocal harmonies and dynamic instrumentation. Known for hits like On My Mind and Burning, they promise an unforgettable show.

Stellar*: A celebrated pop-rock band from the early 2000s, Stellar captured audiences with their chart-topping singles All It Takes and Every Girl. Their energetic and nostalgic vibe is sure to engage audiences of all ages.

Lost Tribe Aotearoa (LTA): This Raglan-based 8-piece band combines roots, dub, rock, ska, and blues. Their infectious energy and uplifting music have garnered them a loyal following, with over 2 million Spotify streams and notable hits like Irie.

Crooked Crops: An emerging local band, Crooked Crops brings fresh sounds to the lineup, featuring vibrant tunes that reflect Northland’s unique culture and energy.

5k: A high-energy act that blends modern beats with traditional Kiwi flair, promising to get the crowd moving with their dynamic performance.

Ness: Known for soulful melodies and captivating lyrics, Ness provides a more intimate and heartfelt musical experience.

Visual Soup: Winners of the 2024 Northland Smokefree Rockquest, this versatile group adds a creative edge to the festival, offering a mix of genres and an engaging live presence.

Food

The Northland Fritter Festival offers a mouth-watering array of food, with a focus on gourmet fritters featuring fresh local ingredients. From seafood specialties like pāua and mussels to creative vegetarian and meat options, there’s something for every palate. In addition to fritters, the festival includes a variety of other delicious offerings, such as burgers, seafood, and sweet treats. Different dietary options are available and clearly indicated throughout the menus.

Keep an eye on Facebook at Northland Fritter Festival to stay updated and discover all the delicious fritters on offer.

Beverage

The Northland Fritter Festival offers a great selection of beverages to complement its vibrant atmosphere. Festival-goers can enjoy a range of Northland’s finest wines and craft beers from local vineyards & breweries, alongside refreshing non-alcoholic options and coffee.

The event emphasises quality and variety, showcasing regional wineries and breweries, making it a highlight for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Non-alcoholic choices ensure inclusivity, catering to all attendees.

Follow our Facebook page Northland Fritter Festival for Vineyard and Brewery announcements.

Awards & Celebrity Judges

There are three prestigious awards up for grabs to honour outstanding participants – Best Fritter Trophy, PAK’n Save People’s Choice Award

Climatech Best Fritter Trophy

Who makes the best fritter in Northland? This is the ultimate honour for our food vendors, judged on taste, creativity, presentation and service. Whether it's a classic or a new twist on a fritter, the Climatech Best Fritter Trophy recognises the culinary talent that delights festival-goers.

This award will be judged by legendary Chef Al Bown. Al Brown is recognised around the world as a leading New Zealand Chef and Restauranteur. He is an entrepreneur in the true sense of the word. Alongside his successes in the running a multi-faceted business, he is a natural storyteller who thrives on the sentiment of ‘people and place’, and a person of genuine authenticity, creativity and generosity. We are really privileged to welcome back Al to the 10th anniversary Fritter Festival.

PAK’n SAVE Whangarei People’s Choice Award

The PAK’n SAVE Whangarei People’s Choice Award is all about what your favourite fritter is. Your votes will decide the winner, so make sure you sample the delicious fritters and cast your vote for your favourite. Either vote online by scanning one of the QR codes at the festival or head to the PAK’nSAVE tent to vote in person between 1pm and 5pm.

Best Vineyard/ Brewery

The Best Vineyard or Brewery Award recognises the finest local vineyard or brewery at the festival, celebrating exceptional quality and taste that elevates the festival experience.

This Award will be judged by Nick Keene, a passionate hospitality professional deeply rooted in the Whangarei community. He’s served as President of Hospitality New Zealand for the past four years and is the proud owner and operator of Schnappa Rock, a popular dining establishment located in the picturesque Tutukaka coastal area. A true food and wine enthusiast, Nick combines his professional expertise with a genuine passion for cuisine and hospitality. His commitment to promoting local hospitality and supporting local businesses has been a hallmark of his career, making him a key influencer in the Northland hospitality community.

Laser Electrical VIP Area

Take your Fritter Festival experience to the next level with the exclusive Laser Electrical VIP Area! Whether you’re gathering a group for a private table or enjoying the festival solo with an individual ticket, the VIP Area offers a premium experience with everything you need to relax, indulge, and enjoy.

What’s Included in the VIP Area?

Fast entry with access via the VIP lane.
A 10 year Fritter Festival wine glass on arrival.
Access to the premium-positioned and secure VIP Area.
Enjoy the dedicated VIP Bar with one complimentary drink included.
Access to dedicated Posh Loos for added comfort.

Choose the VIP Experience That Suits You

VIP Tables (for groups or corporate bookings):

Includes 10 x VIP tickets and passes.
A reserved, sheltered table labelled with your group or company name.
A cheese & cracker box for your table to share.

Individual VIP Tickets:

Perfect for individuals or smaller groups wanting the VIP experience.

Both VIP Tables and Individual Tickets can be purchased through Eventfinda. Book in now to secure your spot.

Social Club

The Social Club Area offers a friendly festival experience for social clubs, work and friend groups of 20+ with special access to a prime spot, featuring a dedicated bar, great views of the stage, shade and furniture.

To enquire about joining the social club, email events@nect2021.co.nz.

Buses

This year we have booked 5 buses from Matapouri, Mangawhai, Whangarei Heads, Kerikeri & Wellsford to the festival & back.

All buses are due to arrive at Semenoff Stadium between 11.30am– 12.00pm and will depart Semenoff Stadium from Okara Drive straight after the festival finishes at approximately 8.15pm.

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: Whangārei 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

Route 4: Kerikeri to Semenoff Stadium Return

Pick up points: Kerikeri, Kawakawa, Hikurangi, Kamo (specific pick-up locations and times to be confirmed).

Route 5: Wellsford to Semenoff Stadium Return

Pick up points: Wellsford, Kaiwaka, Bottom of the Brynderwyns (South) (specific pick up locations and times to be confirmed).

Bus tickets are available to buy from Eventfinda until Wednesday 5 March (or until sold out):

Festival ticket & bus ticket take this link https://bit.ly/3Z3gaNX

Bus ticket only take this link https://bit.ly/41qHS94

Tickets

Tickets are available from Eventinda.co.nz, the Whangarei i-SITE and from the gate on the day.

General Admission Early bird $59 (available until 17 January)

General Admission Group Early $54 (available until 17 January)

VIP Ticket $165

VIP Table of 10 $1,650

Second release $69

General Admission Group $64

General Admission Gate Sale $79

Bus Tickets

Route 1: Matapouri to Semenoff Stadium return $30

Route 2: Whangārei Heads to Semenoff Stadium return $30

Route 3: Mangawhai to Semenoff Stadium return $30

Route 4a: Kerikeri and Kawakawa to Semenoff Stadium Return $50

Route 4b: Hikurangi and Kamo to Semenoff Stadium Return $30

Route 5: Wellsford to Semenoff Stadium Return $50

Early bird tickets available until 17 January, 11.55pm.

Group tickets available when you purchase 10 or more tickets.

Children under 2 are free.

Fees applies.

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