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Tasty nibbles, a glass of wine and something to boogie to - all in the one place - made Devonport the place to be on the weekend.
Just over 8000 people passed through the annual Kia Motors Devonport Food, Wine & Music Festival in Auckland, where up to 20 stalls gave punters a taste of some of the country's finest treats.
Nichola Wilson, of Avondale, said yesterday that she had had "several drinks" throughout the day - and the odd bite to eat. "We've had more drink than food, to be honest. But it's been a great festival - good food, wine and music - great," she said.
With most people sporting plastic wine-glass necklaces, it was obvious many had come for one thing only.
For others, with a jumbo-sized mussel fritter in one hand and a waffle cone filled with syrup-covered ice cream in the other, the day belonged to the tummy.
Others were drawn in by the musical acts. Abba cover band Bjorn Again proved to be a hit with festival goers, as young and old held hands and grooved to Dancing Queen.
Nina Gibson, holding a glass of red wine, said she had come with a few friends to enjoy a day without the kids and to see Kiwi band Goldenhorse.
Having been to previous festivals, she said this year's had been the best yet - although she was yet to cover the rest of the park's food and wine stalls.
"I've tried some prawn skewers and whitebait fritters, which were gorgeous. It's good value for your money," she said.
"You've got good wine, good food and good music - it's all here. Love it."
The festival, now in its 20th year, has raised over $2 million to date for various charities and community groups in the North Shore area. This year's main recipient is Youthline.
Event organiser Gavin Busch said the two-day festival went without a hitch. "The feedback from people is just awesome. Very, very happy and looking forward to next year."
