FAQs
Most of all we want all festival-goers to have an outstandingly fantastic time at the festival. So here is some information which we hope will help you have a safe and enjoyable time at WOMAD.
ATMs
There will be one ATM on site. The WOMAD bars have EFTPOS service, but for own convenience we advice to bring cash.
Busking
Busking is NOT permitted, all of the entertainment in the venue is selected and programmed in advance.
Disabled patrons' information
For people with physical disabilities, access is recommended via Kaimata St where there is a pick up and drop off area plus a limited number of parks. A pass and a current disability card are required to use this area. Please contact Chris Herlihy on 06 759 8412 or email chris@taft.co.nz to apply for a pass. Additional designated parking is available at TSB Stadium.
It is important to be aware that half the WOMAD site is on a hillside. There will be viewing platforms at the top of the road to the Bowl Stage for wheelchair users. Also the Brooklands and Gables Stages are fully accessible. Please note the Pinetum Stage is very difficult for the disabled to access. Disabled toilets are located adjacent to the retail area and at either end of the main TSB Bowl of Brooklands stage.
Drinking water
You fill your drink bottles with water for free from taps around the site. Check the venue map for locations. Chilled water is also sold at the Aqua Filter stalls.
Festival location
WOMAD NZ is held in the stunning TSB Bowl of Brooklands and Brooklands. This venue is often referred to as one of the most desirable venues in the world. Lush and spacious!
Opening hours
Friday, 4.30pm – midnight (first performance starts at 5.30pm)
Saturday, midday – midnight (first performance starts at midday).
Sunday, midday – 11.30pm (first performance starts at midday).
First aid
St. Johns is always on site. You will find them located near the Taranaki Daily News Info booth.
Camping
The WOMAD NZ campground is situated next to the festival. If you wish to camp at this campground you need to buy a camping ticket (separate from your festival ticket). Tickets are on sale through Ticketed, every person who wants to camp needs to have a camping ticket. Children 12 years or under are free with a paying adult.
What to bring
The essentials are your entry ticket which will be exchanged for a wristband (this must worn at all times). Valid photo ID if you have a youth ticket, hat, sunscreen, medication, and clothes to suit the weather.
What not to bring
Animals (other than guide and hearing dogs), glass, alcohol, recording devices, gang paraphernalia, seating of any kind other than low sand chairs, fire pois and flame devices, illegal substances.
What is there for kids to do at the festival?
There is never a shortage of brilliant things to do in KidZone - arts and crafts workshops! All the creativity climaxes on Saturday evening at 6pm when the festival stops for the Carnival Parade – feel free to join in! Kidzone activities are free.
Entrances
The four main entrances to the site are on Brooklands Drive, the Racecourse, from Pukekura Park Dell and Kaimata Street.
Carparking
We strongly recommend using the Racecourse car park (access via Coronation Avenue – follow the signs), or get dropped off at the event as parking is very limited.
Wristbands
Everyone on site will need to wear the WOMAD wristband to make entry. If you are not wearing one you will be asked to leave the site.
These are issued on entry to the festival or at the TSB Showplace, 92-100 Devon St West, on Friday 18 March, between 9am and 3pm. Campers can be wrist banded from 9am on Friday 18 March at the TSB Stadium (within the campground).
We advise parents to write your mobile number on your child’s wristband so a WOMAD team member can contact you easily if your child is lost and is waiting at The Daily News Information Centre.
All three-day ticket holders will receive a free WOMAD programme upon entry to the festival. One-day ticket holders can purchase programmes from the WOMAD Store for $6.
Taranaki Daily News Information Centre
This is your first point of call for all WOMAD information including found children, lost property, programming information, cash machine and public message board.
Smokefree venue
We ask that your respect the venue’s Smokefree policy and refrain from smoking at WOMAD.
No glass/bottles
Please note that all glass (as in bottles/drinking glasses) is banned from the site for safety reasons. All bags will checked, so please do not attempt to bring in anything which can break and cause injuries.
The Lake
For health and safety reasons please – no swimming in the lake! Any person who enters the lake will be removed from the festival.
Message board
Lost your friend? Need a ride to the airport? Why not post a message on our message board, which is situated at the Taranaki Daily News Information Centre.
Seniors viewing platforms
Our research shows there are loyal seniors who come to WOMAD so the festival team and the TSB Bank have come up with a way to make their festival experience easier and more enjoyable. Thanks to support from the TSB Bank seniors (over 65 years) will be able to access elevated viewing platforms at the three main stages. Thanks TSB Bank - we know the seniors will really benefit from your support.
Toilets
Toilet blocks are located at the Racecourse and Brooklands entrances, opposite the Dell Stage, Lost and found
The Taranaki Daily News Information Centre is the place to take found property and to enquire about lost things. The camp manager’s office will handle property lost and found at the campsite.
Found children
The Taranaki Daily News Information Centre is the place to look. We recommend that children have their parents/caregivers mobile phone number written on their wristband. Please arrange with your children at the beginning of the festival to meet at The Taranaki Daily News Information Centre if you are separated.
Litter and recycling
This is a beautiful park and we really want to keep it that way. We can’t stress enough how important it is for WOMAD-goers to help us maintain a successful recycling programme. Please dispose of your waste in the correct recycling bins at the waste stations which are clearly signposted around the site.
WOMAD store
Visit the WOMAD store for WOMAD merchandise including programmes, t-shirts, artist CD’s, sipper bottles, pod chairs, torches, caps and much more. EFTPOS facilities are available here.
Artist CD signing sessions
The artist signing area is situated in the WOMAD store. Throughout the weekend various artists will be at the tent to meet and greet you and autograph CD's. Check
Water
This year as part of the Zero Waste initiative, water bottles can be refilled with chilled water for a minimal cost. Bottles can also be refilled for free from water taps - check the site map for locations.
Taxis
The taxi pick-up point will be at the Brooklands Road entrance to the festival.
Ticket pick-ups
Ticket pick-ups will be at TSB Showplace until 1pm on Friday 18 March. After that tickets can be collected from the Racecourse ticket box from 4pm and during festival hours for the rest of the weekend.
Survey
We really do take notice of your feedback, so we’d appreciate it if you would take part in the survey we conduct on site. You may be approached by roving volunteers holding computer tablets to see if you want to participate in the survey. Answer the questions and go in the draw to win $600 worth of travel vouchers thanks to House of Travel.
Entrances
The four main entrances to the site are on Brooklands Drive, via the Racecourse entrance accessed via Mason Drive, from Pukekura Park dell, and Kaimata Street.
Car parking
We strongly recommend using the racecourse car park (access via Coronation Avenue – follow the signs), or get dropped off at the event as parking is very limited.
Gate sales
Unless sold out, three-day tickets and one-day tickets will be available during the festival hours from the ticket boxes at the racecourse and Brooklands Park Drive entrances.
Children
One child is permitted free entry with each paying adult. Extra children require a child ticket which can be purchased through Ticketek for $30 + transaction fee..
We advise parents to write your mobile phone number on your child’s wristband or arm so a WOMAD team member can contact you easily if your child is lost and is waiting at The Taranaki Daily News Information Centre.
Youth
Youth tickets are valid for people aged 13 – 17 years, proof of age may be required.
Entry to festival by holders of youth tickets
Holders of youth tickets and wristbands will not be admitted to the festival after 7pm. Proof of age is required. Bag searches will be conducted.
Programme
All three-day ticket holders will receive a free WOMAD programme. One-day ticket holders do not but are able to purchase programmes from the WOMAD Store for $6.
The Taranaki Daily News Information Centre
This is your first point of call for all WOMAD information including found children, lost property, programming information, cash machine and public message board.
Smokefree
We ask that you respect New Plymouth District Council’s Smoke free parks, playgrounds and sports grounds policy and refrain from smoking within Pukekura Park.
Alcohol
BYO alcohol is not permitted on site and, if found, will be confiscated. Licensed bars will be operating on-site for the duration of the event. EFTPOS facilities are available at all bars. Non-alcoholic drinks are however allowed onto the site, but please remember no glass!
Food
Festival goers are permitted to take food into the festival site. Please remember, no glass.
Found property
For found (or lost) items, please check at The Taranaki Daily News Information Centre. Any lost property from the WOMAD Campsite will remain at the Camp Manager’s office.
Camping accommodation
The campsite opens at 9am Friday 16 March; no camping is permitted before then. Access is via Rogan Street and Mason Drive. The WOMAD Campsite is located within the Pukekura Raceway and TSB Stadium which is a 5-minute walk into the main festival site. There are four separate camping areas including a family area, motor home area, EZIcamp and the general camping area available. We ask that all campers follow the Zero Waste policy, so we can protect our environment by keeping it clean and green.
Camping ticket pick-ups
Tickets can be collected at the TSB Stadium between 9am – 9pm on Friday 16 March. After that time tickets can be collected from the racecourse entrance to the festival. Tickets can be exchanged for wristbands from 9am – 9pm at the camp office in the TSB Stadium.
Pre-wristbanding at the TSB Showplace
Wrist banding of people with a Friday night ticket or three-day tickets will take place at the TSB Showplace, 92-100 Devon Street West, New Plymouth, on Friday 16 March from 9am till 3pm. As per the same rules on site at WOMAD - patrons must be present and wrist banded individually. We cannot give out wristbands to people not in attendance, this includes children.
Youth rate tickets
Proof of age may be requested at time of wristbanding. Youth will not be admitted to the festival after 7pm.
TSB Bank Festival of Lights
Experience the magic of the TSB Bank Festival of the Lights as you wander through Pukekura Park after WOMAD each night till late.
VIP carpark and entrance
Very limited VIP car parking is available for those with VIP car-park passes. The VIP car-park is located in the racecourse entry is off Coronation Ave. VIP entry to the festival on Friday night is via the racecourse entrance.
The VIP Lounge
The VIP Lounge which is adjacent to the Todd Energy Brooklands Stage is a restricted access area for guests and sponsors. A special pass is required to enter this area. This area offers food, beverage and toilet facilities.
Animals on site
No animals are allowed on site except Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs.
Complaints
All comments and complaints are to be recorded in writing at the Taranaki Daily News Information Centre. This will ensure that they can be responded to in an appropriate manner.
Noise complaints
All noise complaints must be registered with the New Plymouth District Council. Ph 759 6060.