Choose your tickets
Friday 14 March
Mastering Hot & Cold Smoking ticket
When: 5:30 - 7pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Notebook and pen. Calling all food lovers and outdoor harvesters! Whether you’re a seasoned fisher, hunter, or just curious about the art of smoking, this workshop with the knowledgeable and witty Allan Kelly is a must-attend. Learn the secrets of turning your fresh catches and meat harvests into mouth-watering delights, from beautifully smoked salmon to irresistible biltong - an ancient food-preserving technique that has stood the test of time. Allan brings a wealth of knowledge, perfected over years of crafting delicious, smoky creations for the whole family and will cover equipment needed, techniques and special tips. In fact, a local chef recently shared that Allan was the one who taught him the fine art of hot smoking fish, skills that have served him well in the kitchen ever since! Smoking food connects us to age-old culinary traditions, and last year’s workshop was a sell-out hit, and it’s no surprise why. Allan’s engaging style and practical tips make it easy for everyone to dive into the world of cold and hot smoking. Expect hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and of course, a tasting or two to keep your inspiration fired up. Don’t miss your chance to learn from one of the best - book early to secure your spot!
When: 5:30 - 7pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Notebook and pen. Calling all food lovers and outdoor harvesters! Whether you’re a seasoned fisher, hunter, or just curious about the art of smoking, this workshop with the knowledgeable and witty Allan Kelly is a must-attend. Learn the secrets of turning your fresh catches and meat harvests into mouth-watering delights, from beautifully smoked salmon to irresistible biltong - an ancient food-preserving technique that has stood the test of time. Allan brings a wealth of knowledge, perfected over years of crafting delicious, smoky creations for the whole family and will cover equipment needed, techniques and special tips. In fact, a local chef recently shared that Allan was the one who taught him the fine art of hot smoking fish, skills that have served him well in the kitchen ever since! Smoking food connects us to age-old culinary traditions, and last year’s workshop was a sell-out hit, and it’s no surprise why. Allan’s engaging style and practical tips make it easy for everyone to dive into the world of cold and hot smoking. Expect hands-on demonstrations, expert advice, and of course, a tasting or two to keep your inspiration fired up. Don’t miss your chance to learn from one of the best - book early to secure your spot!
$15.00+ $0.75 fee
Saturday 15 March
Backyard Chicken Keeping 101 ticket
When: 9-10:30am Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: An appetite for eggs, notebook and pen. Curious about keeping chickens at home for fresh eggs, family-friendly fun, and an extremely sustainable source of protein? Join local chicken enthusiast Sam Read, a speech therapist from Albert Town, for an entertaining session on the joys and challenges of backyard chicken keeping. From choosing the right breed to setting up a coop, feeding your flock, and navigating local regulations, Sam’s two years of hands-on experience (including midnight chicken blow-drying) will guide you through it all. Learn about chicken health, egg production, and how to use their manure for your garden. Sam will share funny stories and practical advice, offering a down-to-earth look at what it's really like to care for these quirky creatures. This 1.5-hour workshop, with plenty of time for Q&A, will leave you inspired to start your own sustainable, egg-laying adventure. Don’t miss out!
When: 9-10:30am Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: An appetite for eggs, notebook and pen. Curious about keeping chickens at home for fresh eggs, family-friendly fun, and an extremely sustainable source of protein? Join local chicken enthusiast Sam Read, a speech therapist from Albert Town, for an entertaining session on the joys and challenges of backyard chicken keeping. From choosing the right breed to setting up a coop, feeding your flock, and navigating local regulations, Sam’s two years of hands-on experience (including midnight chicken blow-drying) will guide you through it all. Learn about chicken health, egg production, and how to use their manure for your garden. Sam will share funny stories and practical advice, offering a down-to-earth look at what it's really like to care for these quirky creatures. This 1.5-hour workshop, with plenty of time for Q&A, will leave you inspired to start your own sustainable, egg-laying adventure. Don’t miss out!
$15.00+ $0.75 feeOpen Garden & Workshops at Hāwea Food Forest ticket
When: 9am-1pm Where: 130 Domain Road, Lake Hāwea (on the bend) What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, gardening gloves, a notebook and pen. Free event, all welcome. No registration required - cash donations appreciated. The Hāwea Food Forest is a charitable trust dedicated to creating a community garden and orchard on Domain Road, Hāwea. Once mature, this incredible food forest will provide abundant food for the community, serve as an educational hub for horticulture, and act as a park-like gathering space for all to enjoy. Volunteers regularly host educational workshops and working bees to help the project grow. On Saturday, 15 March, the Hāwea Food Forest welcomes you for a morning of learning and connection led by Sue Hoskin and Nicky Davis from the Hāwea Food Forest team. Discover bio-stir, seed saving, and much more during this open garden event. Free entry, no bookings required, donations appreciated. Held at the Hāwea Food Forest, 130 Domain Road, Lake Hāwea (on the bend)
When: 9am-1pm Where: 130 Domain Road, Lake Hāwea (on the bend) What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, gardening gloves, a notebook and pen. Free event, all welcome. No registration required - cash donations appreciated. The Hāwea Food Forest is a charitable trust dedicated to creating a community garden and orchard on Domain Road, Hāwea. Once mature, this incredible food forest will provide abundant food for the community, serve as an educational hub for horticulture, and act as a park-like gathering space for all to enjoy. Volunteers regularly host educational workshops and working bees to help the project grow. On Saturday, 15 March, the Hāwea Food Forest welcomes you for a morning of learning and connection led by Sue Hoskin and Nicky Davis from the Hāwea Food Forest team. Discover bio-stir, seed saving, and much more during this open garden event. Free entry, no bookings required, donations appreciated. Held at the Hāwea Food Forest, 130 Domain Road, Lake Hāwea (on the bend)
FreeWild Greens: Edible Weed Salad ticket
When: 11am - 12pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Please bring a knife, a chopping board, and a fork! Join Loran Verpillot, a skilled herbalist and educator with over four years of experience leading edible weeds workshops, for an introduction to the delicious and nutritious world of wild greens. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify common edible weeds often found in gardens and use them to create a vibrant wild salad. Learning to make salads with weeds that grow around your home or workplace is a simple and cost-effective way to save money while adding nutrients to your meals. While the plants will be provided from Loran’s own garden, this workshop is a perfect starting point for those curious about incorporating edible weeds into their meals. Please bring a knife, a chopping board, and a fork to tuck in and enjoy your creation! When she’s not teaching about or working with herbs and weeds, Loran supports Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, a Wānaka-based non-profit dedicated to eco-sourcing seeds, growing native seedlings, and fostering community-led habitat restoration. Whether you’re new to the world of edible plants or looking to expand your knowledge, this workshop will inspire you to see weeds in a whole new light!
When: 11am - 12pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Please bring a knife, a chopping board, and a fork! Join Loran Verpillot, a skilled herbalist and educator with over four years of experience leading edible weeds workshops, for an introduction to the delicious and nutritious world of wild greens. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify common edible weeds often found in gardens and use them to create a vibrant wild salad. Learning to make salads with weeds that grow around your home or workplace is a simple and cost-effective way to save money while adding nutrients to your meals. While the plants will be provided from Loran’s own garden, this workshop is a perfect starting point for those curious about incorporating edible weeds into their meals. Please bring a knife, a chopping board, and a fork to tuck in and enjoy your creation! When she’s not teaching about or working with herbs and weeds, Loran supports Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, a Wānaka-based non-profit dedicated to eco-sourcing seeds, growing native seedlings, and fostering community-led habitat restoration. Whether you’re new to the world of edible plants or looking to expand your knowledge, this workshop will inspire you to see weeds in a whole new light!
$15.00+ $0.75 feeThe Art of Drying Herbs & Creating Remedies ticket
When: 1-2:30pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Please bring a bowl and a jar Discover the secrets to preserving herbs and harnessing their natural benefits in this hands-on workshop with Loran Verpillot, an experienced herbalist with over six years of expertise in crafting remedies. Learn techniques for drying herbs to retain their freshness and properties, explore creative ways to use them, and make your own herbal tea blend to take home. Please bring a bowl and a jar to participate. When she’s not foraging or working with herbs, Loran channels her passion for the environment by supporting Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, a Wānaka-based non-profit that eco-sources seeds, grows native seedlings, and leads community-driven habitat restoration projects. More about Loran at https://www.instagram.com/herbalculturenz/ This engaging workshop is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their connection to nature and herbal wellness. Book your spot early!
When: 1-2:30pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Please bring a bowl and a jar Discover the secrets to preserving herbs and harnessing their natural benefits in this hands-on workshop with Loran Verpillot, an experienced herbalist with over six years of expertise in crafting remedies. Learn techniques for drying herbs to retain their freshness and properties, explore creative ways to use them, and make your own herbal tea blend to take home. Please bring a bowl and a jar to participate. When she’s not foraging or working with herbs, Loran channels her passion for the environment by supporting Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, a Wānaka-based non-profit that eco-sources seeds, grows native seedlings, and leads community-driven habitat restoration projects. More about Loran at https://www.instagram.com/herbalculturenz/ This engaging workshop is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their connection to nature and herbal wellness. Book your spot early!
$15.00+ $0.75 feeAutumn Orchard Care ticket
When: 1-3pm Where: Frog Song Farm, 10 minutes from Luggate. What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a notebook and pen. Feel free to bring photos of your fruit trees if you have specific questions! Autumn is the perfect time to give back to your orchard, whether it rewarded you with abundant fruit or faced a challenging season. Join Lisa Johnston, head orchardist of Frog Song Farm for an engaging workshop on how to nurture your orchard for future growth and harvests. Held at Frog Song Farm, just a short 10-minute drive from the Luggate Hall, this hands-on session will cover key practices for producing beautiful apples and stone fruit. In the apple orchard, you'll learn about intercropping with pumpkins, potatoes, and leeks, while in the stone fruit orchard, Lisa will demonstrate autumn pruning techniques and discuss understorey care. The 1.5-hour workshop includes plenty of time for questions (20–30 minutes) and is a must for anyone looking to improve their orchard’s health and productivity. Lisa Johnston brings over 12 seasons of professional orchard care experience in the Wānaka region, alongside managing Frog Song Farm, a thriving organic market garden. For the last 3 years, she has partnered with Green Fox Gardening Co. to help more local orchards flourish. Held outdoors at Frog Song Farm, 193 Pukerangi Drive, Luggate - 10 min drive from Luggate Hall No door sales. Please book your ticket in advance on Humanitix!
When: 1-3pm Where: Frog Song Farm, 10 minutes from Luggate. What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a notebook and pen. Feel free to bring photos of your fruit trees if you have specific questions! Autumn is the perfect time to give back to your orchard, whether it rewarded you with abundant fruit or faced a challenging season. Join Lisa Johnston, head orchardist of Frog Song Farm for an engaging workshop on how to nurture your orchard for future growth and harvests. Held at Frog Song Farm, just a short 10-minute drive from the Luggate Hall, this hands-on session will cover key practices for producing beautiful apples and stone fruit. In the apple orchard, you'll learn about intercropping with pumpkins, potatoes, and leeks, while in the stone fruit orchard, Lisa will demonstrate autumn pruning techniques and discuss understorey care. The 1.5-hour workshop includes plenty of time for questions (20–30 minutes) and is a must for anyone looking to improve their orchard’s health and productivity. Lisa Johnston brings over 12 seasons of professional orchard care experience in the Wānaka region, alongside managing Frog Song Farm, a thriving organic market garden. For the last 3 years, she has partnered with Green Fox Gardening Co. to help more local orchards flourish. Held outdoors at Frog Song Farm, 193 Pukerangi Drive, Luggate - 10 min drive from Luggate Hall No door sales. Please book your ticket in advance on Humanitix!
$15.00+ $0.75 fee
Sunday 16 March
Preserve the Season: Jam Making ticket
When: 9-11am Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: An apron, if you have one! Join Emma and Lucy from Central Otago REAP for a delightful, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to transform home-grown berries and plums into delicious homemade jams. In this session, you’ll explore two different techniques: a naturally sweetened berry jam made with chia seeds and a classic plum jam using sugar and apple pectin. Perfect for beginners and seasoned preservers alike, this workshop will guide you step by step, ensuring you leave with new skills and confidence to preserve the season’s bounty. Each participant will take home a jar of their very own jam to enjoy or share. While the jam is cooking, you’ll also learn how to preserve fresh fruit by preparing a vitamin C-rich fruit salad that can be stored in your freezer, offering a taste of summer even in mid-winter. This workshop is brought to you by Central Otago REAP, an organisation dedicated to lifelong learning and empowering communities. Rooted in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Central Otago REAP supports tamariki, rangatahi, and pakeke in their learning journeys, fostering connection, growth, and positive participation in society. Open to participants aged 14 and over, this two-hour workshop provides plenty of time for learning, laughter, and hands-on practice. Book your spot early to secure your place in this sweet and practical session!
When: 9-11am Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: An apron, if you have one! Join Emma and Lucy from Central Otago REAP for a delightful, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to transform home-grown berries and plums into delicious homemade jams. In this session, you’ll explore two different techniques: a naturally sweetened berry jam made with chia seeds and a classic plum jam using sugar and apple pectin. Perfect for beginners and seasoned preservers alike, this workshop will guide you step by step, ensuring you leave with new skills and confidence to preserve the season’s bounty. Each participant will take home a jar of their very own jam to enjoy or share. While the jam is cooking, you’ll also learn how to preserve fresh fruit by preparing a vitamin C-rich fruit salad that can be stored in your freezer, offering a taste of summer even in mid-winter. This workshop is brought to you by Central Otago REAP, an organisation dedicated to lifelong learning and empowering communities. Rooted in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Central Otago REAP supports tamariki, rangatahi, and pakeke in their learning journeys, fostering connection, growth, and positive participation in society. Open to participants aged 14 and over, this two-hour workshop provides plenty of time for learning, laughter, and hands-on practice. Book your spot early to secure your place in this sweet and practical session!
$15.00+ $0.75 feeNamaste Food Growing & Regeneration Tour ticket
When: 9am - 12pm Where: Meet at the rugby field carpark in Wānaka What to Bring: Sunhat, water, notebook/pen. Pre-bookings essential. Join Florence for a 3-hour tour of a 2.5-hectare lifestyle property developed over 20 years in harmony with nature, without the use of chemicals or fossil fuels. This property provides about 25% of its owners' food. On this tour, focusing on food production, you’ll visit: A young home orchard, with tips on maintenance The vegetable patch, covering soil, tools, plant varieties, maintenance, fertilisation, and harvest The prolific berries enclosure, with guidance on varieties, pruning, and management Along the way, you’ll: Learn how foods are used and preserved Discover foraging and healing plants Observe various food waste systems Explore natural fertilisation methods Discuss management of “pests and weeds” You'll also explore how to regenerate land with minimal effort and nature help, managing rabbits, optimising water use and so on... In Namaste's beautiful ornamental gardens, enjoy a Q&A session with tea and muffins. This inspiring practical tour, led by local garden guide Florence Micoud, has been specially designed for the Wao Autumn Harvest Festival. It’s a wonderful opportunity not to miss: book early to avoid disappointment! If booked out early on, Florence will run another tour on Saturday morning (so check our programme closer to the date if you can't make it on Sunday!) More about Florence and the Beautiful Garden guided tours: https://beautifulgardenswanaka.com/about-us/about/ Cost: $30 per person (adult or child), includes transport, morning tea and freebies such as seeds. Children are welcome but are required to be supervised and stay with the group at all times for H&S. Meet at 9am at the rugby field carpark in Wānaka where you will be picked up. The tour is nearby in Wānaka.
When: 9am - 12pm Where: Meet at the rugby field carpark in Wānaka What to Bring: Sunhat, water, notebook/pen. Pre-bookings essential. Join Florence for a 3-hour tour of a 2.5-hectare lifestyle property developed over 20 years in harmony with nature, without the use of chemicals or fossil fuels. This property provides about 25% of its owners' food. On this tour, focusing on food production, you’ll visit: A young home orchard, with tips on maintenance The vegetable patch, covering soil, tools, plant varieties, maintenance, fertilisation, and harvest The prolific berries enclosure, with guidance on varieties, pruning, and management Along the way, you’ll: Learn how foods are used and preserved Discover foraging and healing plants Observe various food waste systems Explore natural fertilisation methods Discuss management of “pests and weeds” You'll also explore how to regenerate land with minimal effort and nature help, managing rabbits, optimising water use and so on... In Namaste's beautiful ornamental gardens, enjoy a Q&A session with tea and muffins. This inspiring practical tour, led by local garden guide Florence Micoud, has been specially designed for the Wao Autumn Harvest Festival. It’s a wonderful opportunity not to miss: book early to avoid disappointment! If booked out early on, Florence will run another tour on Saturday morning (so check our programme closer to the date if you can't make it on Sunday!) More about Florence and the Beautiful Garden guided tours: https://beautifulgardenswanaka.com/about-us/about/ Cost: $30 per person (adult or child), includes transport, morning tea and freebies such as seeds. Children are welcome but are required to be supervised and stay with the group at all times for H&S. Meet at 9am at the rugby field carpark in Wānaka where you will be picked up. The tour is nearby in Wānaka.
$30.00+ $1.20 feeHerbs at Your Fingertips: Build Your Own Planter Box ticket
When: 9-10:30am Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Please bring gardening gloves if you have them and cash if you'd like to purchase an alternate timber planter box. Join Toni Foxton, Grow Wānaka’s Events Coordinator and Garden Project Advisor, for a hands-on workshop that will leave you with a beautiful herb planter box to take home. Toni, a talented gardener and all-around amazing person, brings her passion and expertise to this inspiring session. Using upcycled polystyrene boxes* cleverly decorated to mimic concrete, you’ll create a stunning and practical herb planter perfect for patios, small spaces or rental situations. Each box is prepped with drainage holes, fabric linings, and nutrient-rich compost. Choose from a variety of herb and edible flower seedlings to plant your own unique mix, perfect for adding flavour and colour to your meals. Herbs are one of the easiest ways to start growing your own food and a fantastic addition to any home-cooked dish. This workshop is proudly hosted by Grow Wānaka, a community garden, composting centre, and education hub established in 2020. Their mission is to enhance community resilience, promote food security, minimise waste, and share knowledge through educational opportunities. Don’t miss their Garden Tour on Wednesday, 12 March, where you can explore their innovative initiatives firsthand. This workshop includes all materials, compost, and seedlings. You just need to bring your enthusiasm and maybe some gardening gloves! Make your box, plant it out, and leave with the skills to nurture it at home. *There will also be approximately 10 upcycled, sustainable, locally made planter boxes available for sale at the workshop. Purchasing one (cash please) supports The Wānaka Community Workshop, who has lovingly crafted them!
When: 9-10:30am Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Please bring gardening gloves if you have them and cash if you'd like to purchase an alternate timber planter box. Join Toni Foxton, Grow Wānaka’s Events Coordinator and Garden Project Advisor, for a hands-on workshop that will leave you with a beautiful herb planter box to take home. Toni, a talented gardener and all-around amazing person, brings her passion and expertise to this inspiring session. Using upcycled polystyrene boxes* cleverly decorated to mimic concrete, you’ll create a stunning and practical herb planter perfect for patios, small spaces or rental situations. Each box is prepped with drainage holes, fabric linings, and nutrient-rich compost. Choose from a variety of herb and edible flower seedlings to plant your own unique mix, perfect for adding flavour and colour to your meals. Herbs are one of the easiest ways to start growing your own food and a fantastic addition to any home-cooked dish. This workshop is proudly hosted by Grow Wānaka, a community garden, composting centre, and education hub established in 2020. Their mission is to enhance community resilience, promote food security, minimise waste, and share knowledge through educational opportunities. Don’t miss their Garden Tour on Wednesday, 12 March, where you can explore their innovative initiatives firsthand. This workshop includes all materials, compost, and seedlings. You just need to bring your enthusiasm and maybe some gardening gloves! Make your box, plant it out, and leave with the skills to nurture it at home. *There will also be approximately 10 upcycled, sustainable, locally made planter boxes available for sale at the workshop. Purchasing one (cash please) supports The Wānaka Community Workshop, who has lovingly crafted them!
$15.00+ $0.75 feeFermented Herbal Sodas ticket
When: 11am - 12:30pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: A wide-mouthed glass jar with lid, notebook and pen Join Leigh Dumpleton (she/her), a practicing Medical Herbalist with a passion for grassroots folk herbalism, for a hands-on workshop exploring the art of crafting fermented herbal sodas. In this engaging session, Leigh will demonstrate how to create refreshing and healthful sodas using simple household ingredients and accessible herbs, either foraged locally or found in your pantry. You'll learn about the fermenting process, its health benefits, and the unique properties of the herbs used to flavour these delightful drinks. Participants will receive a recipe and herb information card and have the opportunity to make their own soda during the workshop to take home and enjoy. All materials are provided, you just need to bring a wide-mouthed jar. The session will run for 1 to 1.5 hours, blending demonstration, discussion, and hands-on experience to ensure you leave with the confidence to recreate these bubbly herbal beverages at home. Perfect for anyone interested in herbs, locally sourced produce, low-cost living, or self-reliance, this workshop offers a practical way to connect with nature through plant-based creations.
When: 11am - 12:30pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: A wide-mouthed glass jar with lid, notebook and pen Join Leigh Dumpleton (she/her), a practicing Medical Herbalist with a passion for grassroots folk herbalism, for a hands-on workshop exploring the art of crafting fermented herbal sodas. In this engaging session, Leigh will demonstrate how to create refreshing and healthful sodas using simple household ingredients and accessible herbs, either foraged locally or found in your pantry. You'll learn about the fermenting process, its health benefits, and the unique properties of the herbs used to flavour these delightful drinks. Participants will receive a recipe and herb information card and have the opportunity to make their own soda during the workshop to take home and enjoy. All materials are provided, you just need to bring a wide-mouthed jar. The session will run for 1 to 1.5 hours, blending demonstration, discussion, and hands-on experience to ensure you leave with the confidence to recreate these bubbly herbal beverages at home. Perfect for anyone interested in herbs, locally sourced produce, low-cost living, or self-reliance, this workshop offers a practical way to connect with nature through plant-based creations.
$15.00+ $0.75 feeDelicious Free Meat: Rabbit Preparation 101 ticket
When: 11am - `12:30pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Notebook and pen. Discover the art of preparing one of the most sustainable and underrated meats with Dan Orbell, local hunter and long-time member of the Deer Stalkers Association. This engaging session is perfect for beginners curious about sourcing and preparing rabbit meat. Here's what you can expect: Learn the essentials of firearms, licensing, safety, and the rules for ethical hunting. Understand how to source rabbit meat, including tips on identifying safe rabbits to consume. Watch a live demonstration of skinning, gutting, and breaking down a rabbit carcass - ready to cook. While Dan won't cover recipes, he’ll guide you through the foundational steps to turn wild game into a versatile ingredient for your kitchen. Rabbit meat is not only delicious but also a sustainable choice. By enjoying this free and plentiful resource, you’re contributing to pest control and environmental restoration. Dan brings decades of experience to the table, often hunting alongside his son and grandson. Expect plenty of tips, tricks, and fascinating stories from his hunting adventures. This 1.5-hour workshop is limited to just 15 participants, so secure your spot early—it’s sure to fill up fast!
When: 11am - `12:30pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Notebook and pen. Discover the art of preparing one of the most sustainable and underrated meats with Dan Orbell, local hunter and long-time member of the Deer Stalkers Association. This engaging session is perfect for beginners curious about sourcing and preparing rabbit meat. Here's what you can expect: Learn the essentials of firearms, licensing, safety, and the rules for ethical hunting. Understand how to source rabbit meat, including tips on identifying safe rabbits to consume. Watch a live demonstration of skinning, gutting, and breaking down a rabbit carcass - ready to cook. While Dan won't cover recipes, he’ll guide you through the foundational steps to turn wild game into a versatile ingredient for your kitchen. Rabbit meat is not only delicious but also a sustainable choice. By enjoying this free and plentiful resource, you’re contributing to pest control and environmental restoration. Dan brings decades of experience to the table, often hunting alongside his son and grandson. Expect plenty of tips, tricks, and fascinating stories from his hunting adventures. This 1.5-hour workshop is limited to just 15 participants, so secure your spot early—it’s sure to fill up fast!
$15.00+ $0.75 feeThe Perfect Catch: Fishing Tips and Techniques ticket
When: 1-2:30pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Notebook and pen. Dive into the world of fishing with Nick Nicholson, a seasoned angler and president of the Upper Clutha Angling Club. Known for his warm and engaging ways, Nick is an old Geordie originally from Newcastle in the UK, where his father would take him fishing on the rivers Tyne and Coquet from the age of seven. A Wānaka resident of 24 years, Nick has decades of experience fishing rivers across the South Island and around the world. He’s ready to share his knowledge, with plenty of humour and a story or two along the way. In this workshop, Nick will guide you through the basics and gear needed to spin fish, fly fish, and bait fish. He will explain the differences and the pros and cons of each method, with a demonstration of how the rods, reels, and lines are set up for each approach. Baits, flies, and lures will also be displayed, with a brief discussion about their use and how different conditions and times of the year affect the fish's behaviour and consequently the fishing. You’ll also learn about local fishing opportunities, the role of Fish & Game, and the importance of respecting rules and regulations (yes, you’ll need a licence before you head out fishing, and reading the regulations is key!). Discover how to assess whether to harvest or release your catch unharmed, with practical advice on sustainability considerations and selecting the best sizes for flavourful eating. Nick will also share a few tips on the best way to prepare and cook your harvest (Nick was a professional chef in another life). Nick will provide insights into the Upper Clutha Angling Club, a welcoming community where you can connect with other fishing enthusiasts and build your skills further. Their next fly fishing courses (held every 2 years) will be in October 2026, so if you're keen to get started this year, this is your opportunity!
When: 1-2:30pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Notebook and pen. Dive into the world of fishing with Nick Nicholson, a seasoned angler and president of the Upper Clutha Angling Club. Known for his warm and engaging ways, Nick is an old Geordie originally from Newcastle in the UK, where his father would take him fishing on the rivers Tyne and Coquet from the age of seven. A Wānaka resident of 24 years, Nick has decades of experience fishing rivers across the South Island and around the world. He’s ready to share his knowledge, with plenty of humour and a story or two along the way. In this workshop, Nick will guide you through the basics and gear needed to spin fish, fly fish, and bait fish. He will explain the differences and the pros and cons of each method, with a demonstration of how the rods, reels, and lines are set up for each approach. Baits, flies, and lures will also be displayed, with a brief discussion about their use and how different conditions and times of the year affect the fish's behaviour and consequently the fishing. You’ll also learn about local fishing opportunities, the role of Fish & Game, and the importance of respecting rules and regulations (yes, you’ll need a licence before you head out fishing, and reading the regulations is key!). Discover how to assess whether to harvest or release your catch unharmed, with practical advice on sustainability considerations and selecting the best sizes for flavourful eating. Nick will also share a few tips on the best way to prepare and cook your harvest (Nick was a professional chef in another life). Nick will provide insights into the Upper Clutha Angling Club, a welcoming community where you can connect with other fishing enthusiasts and build your skills further. Their next fly fishing courses (held every 2 years) will be in October 2026, so if you're keen to get started this year, this is your opportunity!
$15.00+ $0.75 feeKitchen Saucery: Mastering Flavour with Everyday Ingredients ticket
When: 2:30-4pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Notebook and pen. Join local foodie Evelyn Valillee, professional chef and owner of The Dripping Bowl, for an inspiring cooking demonstration that will transform how you approach your kitchen and ingredients. Learn how to: - Build incredible flavour profiles with fats, acids, and herbs. - Create versatile, restaurant-quality sauces using everyday pantry items. - Make the most of your fridge and garden ingredients to craft beautiful, nutrient-rich meals. - Plate like a pro for meals that are as stunning as they are delicious. Evelyn’s lifelong passion for herbal medicine and whole foods shines through as she shares tips for using basic herbs and plants to enhance flavour and create dishes that not only nourish the body but also utterly delight the taste buds. This one-hour demo (plus approx 15-minute Q&A) is perfect for anyone who loves food and wants to become more creative and resourceful in the kitchen. No hands-on cooking required, just sit back, learn, and leave inspired to elevate your home cooking. You might even get lucky and sample some tastings!
When: 2:30-4pm Where: Luggate Memorial Centre What to Bring: Notebook and pen. Join local foodie Evelyn Valillee, professional chef and owner of The Dripping Bowl, for an inspiring cooking demonstration that will transform how you approach your kitchen and ingredients. Learn how to: - Build incredible flavour profiles with fats, acids, and herbs. - Create versatile, restaurant-quality sauces using everyday pantry items. - Make the most of your fridge and garden ingredients to craft beautiful, nutrient-rich meals. - Plate like a pro for meals that are as stunning as they are delicious. Evelyn’s lifelong passion for herbal medicine and whole foods shines through as she shares tips for using basic herbs and plants to enhance flavour and create dishes that not only nourish the body but also utterly delight the taste buds. This one-hour demo (plus approx 15-minute Q&A) is perfect for anyone who loves food and wants to become more creative and resourceful in the kitchen. No hands-on cooking required, just sit back, learn, and leave inspired to elevate your home cooking. You might even get lucky and sample some tastings!
$15.00+ $0.75 fee