The Shepherdess Muster is a three-day immersive festival, designed for women to be able to get away from it all and experience good food, good company, entertainment, workshops and more. There’s a lot to take in! Read our FAQ to find out all that you might need to know.

All About The Shepherdess Muster

  • The Shepherdess Muster runs from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 March 2026 in Tokanui, Murihiku Southland. 
     

  • Event registration opens at 3pm on Friday 6 March 2026, and the event finishes at 1pm on Sunday 8 March 2026. 

  • The full programme for the Muster, festival guide and menu for the weekend will be released in the months leading up to the event. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop! 

  • All our ticket information, including pricing and release dates are here.

  • The Muster is a three-day rural festival and retreat for rural wāhine across provincial Aotearoa put on by Shepherdess, a not-for-profit and social enterprise with the mission of making rural folk feel connected through community building, storytelling, and events. The Shepherdess Muster gives women living rurally the chance to come together to relax and take a load off the everyday juggle of work, home and farm life. At the core of the event is community wellbeing and connectedness, acknowledging the extensive isolation – both social and geographical – that many women living rurally face. The Muster is a not-for-profit event.

  • The Muster is a weekend created for women. We aim to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where all participants feel safe, respected and supported. If you have any questions or would like to kōrero further, please get in touch at themuster@shepherdess.co.nz – we’re here to help.

  • The weekend's format is a mix of entertainment, workshops, guest speakers, exercise and full catering for all attendees - with space in between for attendees to connect, relax, book beauty and health appointments and browse a few market stalls.  

    An important aspect of The Muster is that we all stay on-site together for the three days. The three days provide a space for women to come together for laughter, conversations, learning, tears, connection, discovery, beautiful food and newfound friendships. 

     Our 2025 programme will be announced in the coming months but you can always check out our 2024 programme to get an idea of what’s in store. Keep an eye on our socials for programme announcements.

Tickets & Accommodation

  • Your ticket includes the three-day Muster programme, and all food over the weekend, as well as hands-on workshops, speakers, entertainment, and live music. 

    Our programme, when released, will have more detail about what’s on offer in 2026, but until then, here’s a snapshot. 

    • Full catering over three days of the event - six delicious meals, plus supper, and morning and afternoon tea. Our fresh, nutritious menu is being prepared by Flying Trestles – a team with extensive experience catering in remote locations. They’ll be sourcing ingredients locally wherever possible. 

    • Three inspiring keynote speakers and a panel discussion. 

    • Over 25 different workshops – five workshops across five concurrent sessions  –on themes ranging from business and entrepreneurship to personal development and wellness, to arts and crafts.  

    • Morning fitness sessions – ranging from Zumba to yoga. 

    • A range of health and wellness providers offering free services and resources. 

    • A market featuring local businesses – with locally-made crafts, artisan goods, and gift ideas. 

    • Entertainment, including a comedian, and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. 

    • An artsbreak area where you can contribute to a collaborative community art project, and indulge your creativity. 

    • A relaxation space for taking a quiet moment. 

    • BYO camping.  

  • A selection of optional activities and treats will be available to purchase over the weekend, if you’d like to add a little more to your experience. Keen to treat yourself? You’ll be able to book directly with the providers offering a range of beauty and wellbeing services, such as massages. When we release the full programme we’ll let you know what’s on offer, how much it costs, and how to book in. Some health services and checks will be free, and a few might have a small charge – we’ll let you know the details once everything’s confirmed. There’ll be market stalls run by amazing local and rural women, selling lovely things – perfect for a little treat or a gift. You’ll be able to get your coffee fix (or your favourite hot drink) at the coffee cart, with other beverages available at the bar. 

  • Part of The Muster experience is staying on site. We have two options for accommodation for the event – free BYO camping or paid pre-set-up tents. 

    Free BYO camping – bring your own tent, caravan, campervan, horse float, or just camp on the back of your ute. Please note there is no power available for camping. There is no extra cost for BYO camping – it is included in your ticket for the weekend. 

    Paid pre-set-up tents – the pre-set-up tents come in two-person and three-person configurations. We’ll release the cost of the pre-set-up tents at the same time as the ticket prices are announced. When you book a pre-set-up tent online, you can let us know who you’d like to share with – otherwise, we’ll match you up. 

  • The tent set-up includes a comfy foam mattress, pillow, linen set, duvet or comforter, and basic lighting. These will be ready for you when you arrive on Friday afternoon. The set-up is simple – please do not expect a glamping experience. 

  • Portable showers and toilets will be set up near the camping sites. The showers and toilets are shared between all types of campers. We’ll also have drinking water available. There is no power available at either the BYO camping or the paid tented accommodation areas, but we will have an area with seating, mirrors, and charging stations for phones and devices. 

     

  • No, the event is all-inclusive for the three days. It’s like a retreat in that way. The aim is to be together to relax, connect and be inspired for the duration of The Muster. 

     

  • Local Tickets are available to women who live within the Waihopai Toetoe Community Board area. If you’re purchasing your ticket personally (not through your workplace), you qualify for the local ticket price. 

  • The Waihopai Toetoe communities include: Ashers, Brydone, Bush Siding, Chaslands, Curio Bay, Dacre, Edendale, Fortification, Fortrose, Glenham, Gorge Road, Grove Bush, Haldane, Kamahi, Kapuka, Kapuka South, Kennington, Longbush, Mabel Bush, Mataura Island, Menzies Ferry, Mimihau, Mokoreta, Mokotua, Morton Mains, Niagara, Ota Creek, Otara, Oteramika, Oware, Pine Bush, Progress Valley, Pukewao, Quarry Hills, Rakahouka, Redan, Rimu, Roslyn Bush, Seaward Downs, Slope Point, Spurhead, Te Peka, Te Tipua, Timpanys, Titiroa, Tokanui, Tuturau, Waiarikiki, Waikawa, Waikawa Valley, Waimahaka, Waimatua, Waituna, Woodlands, Wyndham.

    See this guide for more information and a map: Southland District Council – Waihopai Toetoe Community Board Plan. 

Food & Drink

  • All meals will be held together in the main marquee. Meals will be a mix of casual dining, canapés, seated buffet and a la carte. Friday night will be canapés and a more substantial hand-held supper. Saturday night will be a special sit-down dinner.  

    The food will be healthy, nutritious and include both meat and vegetarian options. We’re excited to showcase the region’s delicious local produce, and are working with local growers and producers. Our caterers, Flying Trestles, bring a wealth of experience from catering for film sets in all sorts of remote locations, so you’ll be well looked after. 

  • Absolutely! When you book your tickets, answer the questions on dietary requirements so we are across your needs. 

     

  • If you’d like some extra snacks, please feel free to bring some along, but all meals are catered for in the ticket price, including morning and afternoon teas. 

  • No – bringing your own alcohol onto the festival site or into the camping area is not permitted. This is a condition of our liquor licence and helps us promote responsible drinking and keep everyone safe. 

     

General Information

  • Yes, absolutely! The atmosphere is friendly, welcoming and down-to-earth. 

  • No. This event is for women to relax and unwind. While we love and appreciate the blokes in our lives, this event is a space for women only. Babies in arms who are heavily reliant on mum are welcome, but we kindly ask that any older baby, toddler or child is left at home with another caregiver for the weekend. 

     

  • No, please leave your furry and feathered friends at home. Certified disability assist dogs are welcome. If you are bringing your assistance dog with you, please let us know when you buy your ticket. 

     

  • No. All attendees at The Shepherdess Muster must purchase a ticket in advance. There will be no door sales. Tickets will be on sale until sold out. 

  • When you arrive, please have the confirmation of your ticket purchase handy – either on your phone or printed out. We may ask for photo identification to mark you off against our attendee list. Note, there are no physical tickets – your ticket purchase confirmation constitutes your ticket. 

     

  • We’ll be watching the weather forecast closely in the lead-up to the event. In the case of an extreme weather event, we will notify all ticket holders via email. 

     

  • We do not offer refunds on tickets or the tented accommodation. This is due to the significant costs that are incurred early in event planning, especially when running an event of this nature in an isolated spot, with a lot of infrastructure being brought in. 

     

    You are welcome to give your ticket to a friend and provide us with their name, so we can update our attendance list. Or, if we sell-out of tickets, we will run a waiting list. If you are not able to make the event, you are welcome to contact us and should there be women on the waiting list, we can offer your ticket to the next person on the list. 

     

The Festival Site

  • Tokanui is a small rural township in the Catlins, in Murihiku Southland. It is about 58km south-east of Waihōpai Invercargill. Tokanui is on the Southern Scenic Route that runs from Tāhuna Queenstown to Ōtepoti Dunedin.  

  • The whole Muster weekend will be held at the Tokanui Rugby Club, which is on Turner Road, a few kilometres out of the Tokanui township. 

     

  • If you’re coming from Waihōpai Invercargill – you’ll head out of town on the Gorge Road-Invercargill Highway, and come through Gorge Road and Fortrose as you make your way to Tokanui. As you come along the Tokanui-Gorge Road Highway/Southern Scenic Route, turn on to Turner Road before you get into Tokanui township.  

    It is about 45 minutes drive from Waihōpai Invercargill to Tokanui. 

    If you’re coming from Central Otago or Tāhuna Queenstown, go through Gore, to Fortrose. As you come along the Tokanui-Gorge Road Highway/Southern Scenic Route, turn on to Turner Road before you get into Tokanui township. 

    It’s about a three-hour drive from Tāhuna Queenstown to Tokanui. 

    If you’re coming from Ōtepoti Dunedin – you head down to Iwikatea Balclutha and Owaka, through The Catlins to Tokanui. Note that cellphone coverage can be patchy in Catlins Forest Park. About 1km after Tokanui township, turn right into Turner Road – you won’t miss us.  
    It takes about three hours to drive from Ōtepoti Dunedin to Tokanui - a little less if you’re starting from Dunedin airport.  

     

  • If you are flying into Invercargill airport and hiring a car and have some spare seats, or are interested in sharing a car with another person attending, please get in touch. We will try to match you up. If there’s enough interest, we will look at options for a bus.  

  • Tokanui is a small rural town - quintessential provincial New Zealand. Tokanui has a much-loved school, the gorgeous Small Prophet Design Shed, a tavern, a dairy, a playcentre, as well as the Tokanui Rugby Club, where we will be based for the weekend.  

  • The Catlins and the area surrounding Tokanui is so beautiful. If you’re coming from out of town, why not make the most of it and spend a bit of extra time in Murihiku Southland before The Muster kicks off on Friday or after things wrap up on Sunday? www.catlins.org.nz has lots of ideas of things to do and places to explore. We’ll be sharing some great ideas closer to the time – keep an eye on our socials.    

     

  • The Tokanui Rugby Club is playing host to The Muster. There will be a main marquee set up on the rugby grounds, where we all gather for meals and speakers, and then surrounding this will be spaces for breakout workshops, the artsbreak area, stalls, health and beauty appointments.  The camping and tented accommodation will be in the neighbouring farmer’s paddocks. 

  • Yes. However, we encourage you to unplug for the weekend and only use to keep in touch with your family or in case of emergencies. There was no phone reception at Mōtū for The Muster in 2024, and many attendees said unplugging from technology was one of the best parts of the experience. 

     

  • The Shepherdess Shop – where you’ll buy bar tickets from – will have EFTPOS. Many market stalls will also offer EFTPOS but we recommend bringing some cash too. Please note, there will be no cash-out available on site. 

     

  • If you need to contact family urgently, and need access to WIFI, come see us at the Shepherdess Shop and we can arrange access.  

  • Think comfort first – we’ll all be camping, and the weekend is super relaxed. It’s down-to-earth fun with plenty of laughs, so pack clothes you’re happy to move, relax, and have a good time in. 

    Bring some exercise gear if you’re keen for a morning workout, warm layers and a coat for the cooler nights (or cool days), and a rain jacket – just in case, though fingers crossed you won’t need it! 

    There’ll be a chance to dress up on Friday and Saturday nights – our themes this year are Sequins and Sparkles for Friday night, and Petals and Prints for Saturday night. But if your vibe is more “straight off the farm,” that’s totally fine too. 

    We’ve also created a full “What should I bring FAQ” to help guide your packing.

  • March in Tokanui can give us four seasons in a day – if in doubt, pack an extra layer or two. We've got our two themes for Friday and Saturday night, but there’s no overall dress code for the weekend – it’s entirely up to you - keep it casual and relaxed or dress up – it's over to you.

    Daytime

    • Comfortable clothes you can layer on and off as the temperature changes

    • Exercise gear – if you’re joining one of the morning fitness options (Zumba, yoga or the morning walk), or taking part in South Pole Dance’s Chair Dance or Floor Flow workshops, bring something you feel happy moving in

    • Footwear – think comfort and practicality: sneakers or runners, plus jandals, slides or Crocs (which can double as shower shoes)

    • Raincoat

    • Beanie

    • Sun hat

    • Sunglasses

    Evenings

    Pack a couple of outfits for our two themed evenings – Sequins and Sparkles on Friday night, and Petals and Prints on Saturday night. Whether that’s full glamour or just a touch of sparkle or print, it’s completely up to you – we can’t wait to see what you create.

    Bring a coat or jacket to keep you warm as you head between the main marquee and your campsite once the sun goes down.

    Nighttime

    We’re expecting the nights to be on the cool side, so please pack extra cosy layers if you feel the cold.

    • Warm pyjamas or trackies

    • Earplugs (if you’re sharing with someone else)

    If you’re tenting, consider an extra bedding layer – blanket, duvet or sleeping bag.

    For the showers

    • Slides, jandals or Crocs

    • Towel

    • Robe or sarong

    • Sports shorts and bra, or swimwear, if you prefer extra coverage in communal showers

    • Body wash, shampoo and conditioner

    • We’ll have a few hair dryers and straighteners available in the Pamper Room, but feel free to bring your own

    Workshops & Activities

    • An old T-shirt, shirt or apron for hands-on or slightly messy workshops (optional)

    • Yoga mat (optional)

    Toiletries & Personal Care

    • Sunscreen

    • Lip balm

    • Bug spray

    • Personal medication

    • Feminine products

    • Hand sanitiser

    • Wet wipes

    • A small personal first aid kit – pain relief, plasters. We’ll also have a first aid kit on site.

    Essentials

    • Head torch or torch

    • Refillable water bottle

    • Reusable coffee cup or travel cup

    • Phone charger and cable

    • Power bank – solar-powered ones are handy

    • Plastic bag for damp clothing or towels

  • We aim to make The Muster as welcoming and inclusive as possible. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please get in touch with our Event Logistics Manager, Christina Halverson, at  themuster@shepherdess.co.nz so we can do our best to support you. Please note that the pre-set-up tents and shower facilities provided by our supplier are not wheelchair accessible, and the event takes place outdoors across multiple paddocks – the ground will be uneven. 

     

Workshops & Appointments

  • We’re still finalising the workshop registration process for The Muster 2026, but we’ll keep you in the loop and share all the details closer to the time – via email and on our socials. 

  • You’ll book beauty and wellness appointments – and some health ones – directly with the lovely folks providing the services, either before the weekend or on Friday afternoon when you arrive and register. We’ll share more details soon, including what’s on offer and how to book. You’ll pay the providers directly. 

  • There may be some walk-ins available. Spots may be limited, so we recommend booking ahead. We know the beauty appointments will be in demand, so we highly recommend booking ahead of the weekend. More details to come. 

Photos, Videos & Social Media Sharing

  • Yes, and our team, volunteers and contractors may also take photos or videos during The Muster. These may be used to share the story of the event in future marketing, publicity or reporting, either by us or our partners and sponsors. By coming along, you’re letting us know you’re happy with that.  

  • Yes – we love seeing your photos and videos from The Shepherdess Muster, and you're welcome to share your experience on social media. Just please be mindful and respectful of the women around you – some spaces and activities are more personal or sensitive than others, and some workshops or sessions may have restrictions on filming or photography, so do check first and please follow any guidance from organisers or presenters. 

  • There may be some walk-ins available. Spots may be limited, so we recommend booking ahead. We know the beauty appointments will be in demand, so we highly recommend booking ahead of the weekend. More details to come. 

Further Questions & Feedback

  • If you have any questions that aren’t covered here, please email us at themuster@shepherdess.co.nz 

  • Please come and chat with one of the Shepherdess team – you’ll spot us in our branded shirts, or you can come and see us at the Shepherdess Shop. 

  • We’ll be asking for your feedback after the event. This helps us understand what worked well and what we can improve. Some of the anonymous feedback may be shared with the media, partners or sponsors – it’s an important part of helping us secure support and funding for future Musters. You can also email us directly at themuster@shepherdess.co.nz 

     

Sponsorship, Partners & The Community

  • An event like The Muster does not happen without the generous support of our partners and sponsors – view the full list on our sponsorship page.

  • The Muster is a not-for-profit event. We aim simply to cover costs, with anything left over after covering costs reinvested back into the event – helping to keep The Muster sustainable for years to come. 

     

  • As well as the wider benefits of increased connection, inspiration and wellbeing for attendees, The Muster supports the local community by working with local suppliers wherever practical. We’re committed to sourcing goods and services locally, helping to keep the event’s impact – and its benefits – close to home.