Festival

Aotearoa New Zealand Juggling and Circus Festival 2024


When: Friday 29th March - Monday 1st April

Where: Waiora Scout Camp, 450 Silverstream Valley Road, Halfway Bush, North Taieri 9092, Dunedin


For the first time The Aotearoa New Zealand Juggling & Circus Festival is heading to Dunedin. Three full days of workshops, shows and hanging out with new & old friends! The festival bring together some of the country's top jugglers & circus performers, whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, this festival is for you. We will have plenty of workshops for all abilities and ages, we can introduce you to new skills or improve ones you might already have in your pocket. This is the event you don't want to miss!

The 2024 festival will be held at the beautiful Waiora Scout Camp. Located only 15 minutes drive from the centre of Dunedin; Waiora Scout Camp is a stunning property hidden in the Silverstream Valley.


Waiora Scout Camp Event Guide

Getting to Waiora Scout Camp

Address: 450 Silverstream Valley Road, Halfway Bush, North Taieri 9092

Step 1: Put the address for Waiora Scout Camp into your preferred GPS device.

Step 2: Follow the instructions of your GPS device as you drive (it’ll get you to the front gate). Be aware that the road leading up to the scout camp is a windy rural road. There is a small stream and ford bridge just before the turn off to the camp, please drive safe, go slowly around corners. Once you are on the gravel road there’s no need to rush, you are almost there!

Step 3: You’ll see plenty of signs leading you to the right driveway, please have your tickets already downloaded on your phone as reception is hard to find on this site, and won’t be able to download it at the gate.

Once you make it to the gate our wonderful gate staff will guide you the rest of the way. 

There is plenty of camping space which you can park van / vehicles on. If you have booked a cabin you can park right up next to it.


Accommodation

PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation for this festival will be camping via tent or motorhome/caravan. There will be plenty of space for camping. There is a limited number of dorm rooms on site which will be used mainly for the event staff and special guests. If you are interested in booking a dorm for yourself or a group for an additional cost please contact us directly via nzjuggling@gmail.com


Helpful Things to Know

Mobile phone reception - Reception is patchy at best, however there is a small area behind the main hall, beside the dumpster which can get some reception depending what network you are with. Otherwise, it’s a short drive to the nearest town and ample reception. If there is an emergency we have a landline/can get some internet.

Cars and Parking - You will be able to park vans and cars in the camping area, and if you have a cabin you will be able to park beside it as well.

Registration Desks & Signing In - The registration desk closes at 8pm every night. If you arrive after these hours, please come and find us & pay in the morning (after 9am) to sign in. It is important that you do sign-in so we can keep track of who is onsite for safety reasons.

Food and Kitchen - Food is, by and large, BYO. We will have a basic kitchen that people can use, it has a stove, microwave, hot water zip and some pantry storage / fridge if you need. 

We will be running a cafe in the main hall, there will be hot drinks, small snacks and larger meals available for purchase, please bring cash as there won’t be any eftpos available on site.

Facilities - There is drinking water, showers, toilets, dorm rooms, two halls, large kitchen, grassy areas, beautiful nature walks, and outdoor marquee, and awesome people.

Lost Property - Hopefully there will be none this year! But if there is, it’ll be at the Registration Desk. After the event we’ll post photos of the finds in the Facebook group NZJCF for you to claim. After a few months all remaining lost property will be donated to good-will. we wouldn’t need to include this - but we do. It gets very cold up at the lodge at any time of year. Bring layers, thermals, blankets, warm socks, and onesies!

Dorm Etiquette - The main hall is a great place for practicing but there are some dorm located in the main hall, so once its gets late we ask please to be respectful, and if you are in there to be quiet, there will be other practice spaces for all the late night juggling.

Alcohol - We do ask people to refrain from bringing glass on site, this avoids unfortunate breakages and potential cut feet. 

We do expect responsible drinking, and if we find / are notified of irresponsible / potentially dangerous consumption we will have a friendly team to help and a safe space if anyone needs it.


What to Bring

Convention History

Since 1993 the "New Zealand Juggling and Circus Festival" has travelled all over the country, taking an exciting and diverse event to new kiwi communities. The Festival invites all local, national and international visitors, from complete beginners through to professionals. There is something for everyone. Each year 100 to 250 participants come together from all over the world to have a great time!

History of NZJF