The Hokonui Moonshiners’ Festival is a must-attend music and food event held biennially in the southern town of Gore. 

Held in Gore’s Arts & Heritage Precinct, this festival highlights the time-honoured traditions of early Highland Scottish settlers - flaunting Southland’s early prohibition laws and making their own illicit whisky in the Hokonui Hills. 

Music

This year’s headline act is Aussie rocker Diesel, known for hits like Tip of My Tongue and Come to Me.

Kiwi acts the Warratahs, The Nukes and Dunedin band Bulletproof Convertible open the Festival, completing six hours of continuous music.

Moonshine

Sampling a shot of Hokonui moonshine is a must at this event! Try either the sweet Hokonui Honey moonshine liqueur, or the Manuka smoked Old Hokonui Moonshine, a unique blend made in the heart of Southland, with spring water from the Hokonui Hills.

Entry to the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, which is located within the heritage precinct is included in the ticket price.

Food

A variety of food stalls complement this event, with many offering Southern fare and heritage-themed food. Beverage tents will offer a range of beer, Central Otago wines, and of course ‘Hokonui Moonshine’ spirits and liqueurs. 

It’s a popular day out for locals and attracts visitors from far and wide, so be sure to secure tickets early. Tickets are limited.

For more information visit:
www.moonshinefest.co.nz

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Gates Open 11.45am. First Act on at 12noon. Last act finishes at 6pm.
The festival will go ahead rain or shine. 

This is NOT a BYO event. Patrons CANNOT BRING OWN FOOD or BEVERAGES OR GLASS through the gate. This includes bottled water. 

This is a licensed event. Alcohol will only be served to patrons 18yrs and over.
Under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Bags may be checked by security upon entry. Organisers, Police and Security reserve the right of admission, and reserve the right to search for and confiscate alcohol, or evict any person from the festival site.
There is a no pass-outs policy – once you’re through the gate, you may not come and go unless you’re leaving the venue for good.
Limited EFTPOS will be available on site, but cash is advisable to avoid delays.
Gallery and Museum facilities open to festival patrons, free of charge. No drink or food is allowed in these areas - thank you.