First We Eat

The first of its kind in Aotearoa, ‘First We Eat’ is a fresh, multi-sensory festival experience in the Bay of Plenty, that combines NZ’s leading musicians and culinary-creations by celebrity chefs, where guests will get to dine, drink and dance all day long.

Set to kick off on Saturday 30th January at the Wharepai Domain, from midday through to 7pm, the line up will feature legendary headline acts including Dave Dobbyn and The Feelers, while a host of our influential chefs will curate their own themed ‘food streets’ featuring an array of unforgettable taste sensations.

Alongside renowned Kiwi musical talents including; Soaked Oats, LA Women and Alayna, we will see the exciting food offerings announced in the coming weeks. The crew of culinary stars will create an array of unforgettable taste sensations within each of the four food zones featuring; Sounds of the Sea, Plant Power, Rickshaw Ride and Stars and Stripes!

The full day festival will be an opportunity to celebrate the people, tunes and tastes of Tauranga and the wider New Zealand music and food industry. Guests can expect to see boutique breweries, formidable NZ wine brands, and some intriguing creative connections between the musicians and the food offerings.

With over 4000 guests expected to come together to eat, drink and celebrate the best music, entertainment and gourmet delicacies - it will truly be a festival of plenty. Thanks to a collection of NZ’s leading, multi-generational musicians, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy. Guests can rock out stage front or dance the day away on the grass, while curiously sipping their way through the exquisite wine and craft beer selection.

Created by the team behind successful events such as A Summer’s Day Live/Disco, TOTO, Bryan Adams and Ben Harper. Neptune Entertainment are excited to be adding this fresh new food-focused festival to their event calendar. As die-hard locals, they are super passionate about all things Bay of Plenty...

“We wanted to find a way to recognise all the facets of the Bay that make it amazing, so we’ve set out to create a completely unique experience that indulges all five senses and combines the ingredients for a seriously good time.” says co-founder, Mitch Lowe.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this latest project” says fellow co-founder Pato Alvarez. “We are always about hosting quality events in the bay and with the combination of some of New Zealand’s most legendary acts sharing the stage with gourmet food and amazing drinks what else could you ask for this summer? Grab your friends and dress up for the occasion.”

More than your typical music event, at the end of January 2021 festival goers will have the chance to hear the sounds, see the artists on stage, taste the gourmet food and beverage offerings, smell the culinary aromas, feel the sun's warm rays and soak up the grass beneath their feet.

Held at the legendary Mount Maunganui events destination, this festival extravaganza will ensure people can make the most of the Auckland Anniversary long weekend. Enthusiastic guests of all ages are encouraged to get along and immerse themselves in the sights, smells and flavours that span beyond the stage and through to the plate.

First We Eat is set to be an exciting, delicious and formidable event for the 2021 summer festival calendar.

Tickets starting from $59 (+ booking fee)
VIP Tickets from $159 (+ booking fee) including:
- Champagne on arrival
- Private bar
- Food for purchase
- Premium bathrooms
- Prime viewing of stage
- Tables, seating and bar leaners
- Shaded areas
- Express entry into event

For more information about the event please visit firstweeat.co.nz