The Shepherdess Muster is a three-day immersive festival for women living rurally 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 FAQs for all you need to know.
Tickets & Accommodation
What does my ticket include?
Your ticket includes access to the three-day Muster, all food for the duration–that’s six full meals, plus supper, and morning and afternoon tea. Plus, access to arts and crafts workshops, entertainment, live music, and entrepreneurship speakers as part of the ticket price.
Accommodation is BYO tent or caravan, or horse float if you like, at no cost. There is a set-up tented accommodation option for $200 per person, twin share.
What does the paid tent set-up include?
Twin-share tents with stretchers, mattresses and bedding is $200 per person for two nights. All toilets and showers are shared. There are no exclusive facilities for the paid tent set-up option. Accommodation is simple; please do not expect a glamping experience.
What will I need to pay for?
All food and entertainment is included in the ticket price, including workshops and entrepreneurship speakers. But, if you’d like to take advantage of the time to yourself things like a massage, pedicure, or even a haircut, will be at an additional cost and booked directly with the provider.
Beauty appointments are booked directly with the local provider, either in advance of the weekend or on Friday afternoon at check-in. You will pay the beauty provider directly.
Any one-on-one health appointments will also have a cost with that provider.
Market stalls will be offering beautiful homewares and crafts for sale at the event.
Drinks from the bar and tea and coffee from the coffee cart are at your own cost. This is a not-for-profit event; any costs go straight back to the event or the local community.
If you’d prefer to just turn up we offer basic tented accommodation for the duration for $200 per person, twin-share, including linen.
Can I come on my own?
YES, absolutely! The atmosphere is friendly and down-to-earth, with plenty on offer.
Can I bring my husband?
No, this event is for women living rurally to relax and unwind. It’s a retreat vibe with a festival atmosphere.
Can I bring kids?
Babies in arms that 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.
Are pets allowed?
No, please leave your furry friends at home.
What facilities are available for BYO accommodation?
It’s very simple. Please don’t expect a glamping experience. The accommodation area is a paddock opposite the festival area with portable showers and toilets.
You can bring a campervan, tent, trailer or horse float and camp in the paddock for free.
Can I pop in for the day?
No, the ticket is all-inclusive for the three days. It’s like a retreat in that way. The aim is to relax, connect and be inspired for the duration of the festival.
What’s in Motu?
Motu is a teeny tiny village of 20. It’s quintessential provincial New Zealand. We wanted the event to feel like a true getaway from it all and support a rural locality as well. The heart of Motu is the school – where the event will be held – and the Motu Community House, which will also play host to workshops over the weekend. Motu also has a church, and lots of natural beauty.
Food
Will you cater for dietary requirements?
Absolutely! When you book your tickets, be sure to answer the questions on dietary requirements.
What can we expect each day with food?
A mix of casual dining, canapés, seated buffet and a la carte will be on offer, depending on the meal. Friday night will be canapés and a more substantial hand-held supper. Saturday night will be a special sit-down dinner. Our caterers have experience catering for film sets in all sorts of remote locations, so you’ll be well looked after.
Should I bring snacks?
If you’d like some extra snacks to have in your tent or camping set up, please feel free to bring some along, but all meals are catered for in the ticket price, plus morning and afternoon tea.
Is it BYO alcohol?
There will be a cash bar on-site, with no additional alcohol allowed in the festival area
The Festival Site
What can we expect when we get there?
Motu School is playing host to The Muster, with the main marquee and activities set up on the school field. Stalls from local shops and makers will surround the festival area, as well as a cash bar. Workshops will be held in breakout areas both in and outside the main festival site.
The tenting area is opposite the school in a local farmer’s paddocks.
There will be portable showers and toilets in the tent area. There will be toilets in the camping area and main festival area.
Is there phone reception?
No.
Is there WiFi?
We hope to have WiFi available, but we are still working through the details and will share more info soon.
What kind of clothes should I pack?
Comfortable clothes. The accommodation is tented, and the festival is based at the school in the tiny village of Motu. It’s down-to-earth fun with good laughs to be had. Bring exercise gear for workouts and a warm jumper for cooler nights. There is the option to dress up for festivities on the Friday and Saturday nights (details to come)! But if you’d rather just wear your gumboots, that’s okay too! We will keep you up to date with the weather closer to the time.
The Muster Activities
How do I book a workshop?
We’ll be opening workshop bookings prior to the event. Keep an eye on the website and socials for more information. If you’ve purchased your ticket, you’ll be kept up to date via email.
How do I book a beauty appointment?
The beauty therapy options will be available on our website. You can contact the provider directly to book in advance, or a limited number of appointments will be available to book at check-in on the Friday afternoon.
Are there walk-ins for beauty appointments?
Some walk-ins will be available at check-in, but you won’t be guaranteed a spot. We know the beauty appointments will be in demand!
Is there EFTPOS and PayWave on site?
We hope to have EFTPOS available, but we are still working through the details and will share more info soon.