On The Day

Wild Food Lovers

All the info you'll need for on the day of the event!

Map of venue can be seen above

Tickets

Tickets are available for purchase at the gate on the day of the event. Please note, only cash payments are accepted.

Spectator entry – $10                        Contestant entry – FREE
Children under 12 year old – FREE 
(accompanied by paying adult)    Goldcard holders – FREE             

For more info about the Ruapehu Wild Food Challenge, click here

Contestant Information

Arrive with your dish fully prepared and ready to serve, ready to add the finishing touches, or prepared to cook the entire dish on-site. Ruapehu Wild Food Challenge will provide BBQs, tables, and all necessary serving utensils, including tongs and knives.

Our friendly volunteers will greet you upon arrival at the main entrance. You will then need to complete a registration form and a waiver. Afterward, you take your dish to the preparation area, plate it, and have a photo taken. Your dish will then be served anonymously for the judges to taste. After the judges have tasted and rated your dish, it will be moved to the serving table where spectators will have the opportunity to try it as well. 

11.00am – open for entries.

3.00pm – closed for entries

5.00pm – winners announced

Spectator Information

Feeling adventurous? As a spectator, you’ll have the chance to sample the contestants’ dishes once they’re plated and ready to serve. You might even discover a flavour you’ve never experienced before!

Plus, enjoy live demonstrations where you might learn a new skill or you could pick up a few cooking tips along the way.

You’ll also receive a wristband, giving you the flexibility to step out and return to the event at your leisure.

Live Music

Enjoy the the vibrant atmosphere with live music.

Demonstrations Schedule - 2025

We have a lineup of incredibly talented individuals offering live demonstrations throughout the day Please note: Times may vary. 10:00 AM – Opening
  • Viv Hoeta – Official welcome and opening remarks
10:30 AM
  • Lisa Lui – Performing throughout the day
11:00 AM – Open for Entries
  • Murray Hutch – Possum & rabbit processing: What to look out for when eating them
11:30 AM
  • Scott Nation – Kumara & venison backstrap hors d’oeuvres
12:00 PM
  • Di Pritt – Duck preparation and cooking
12:30 PM
  • Henere Larsen – Breaking down a venison hind quarter
1:30 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM – Entries Close
  • All competition entries must be submitted by this time
3:00 PM
  • Possum & Rabbit Challenge – Are you “game” to try, or is it too “wild” for you?
3:30 PM
  • Steve Gray – Herbed potatoes (Sponsored by Wilcox)
4:00 PM 4:15 PM – Live Performance
  • Short musical set
5:00 PM – Prize Giving
  • Awards ceremony – Winners announced and prizes presented

Don't forget to check out our socials