Vinegar Hill is a camping area within the Putai Ngahere reserve on the banks of the Rangitikei river. It’s in the Manawatū -Whanganui region, just north of Hunterville.
Each year over the Christmas and New Year holidays, LGBT+ folks and their whānau gather for camping and D.I.Y. community events.
It is not a commercial festival or event, but simply a gathering of community at a camp ground.
Campers come to unplug and unwind, enjoy nature, see old friends and make new ones, swim in the beautiful Rangitikei awa, sit around a camp fire, host or attend community-run events, dance, and party.
FAQ
Everyone is welcome if they respect the kaupapa. Check out the rules and camp etiquette section for more details.
The southern end has a gate, and is where most of the gay events happen, including the NYE party. The gate is closed over night, and straight people only tend to camp at this end if they’re part of the rainbow community (e.g. family members, close friends, straight trans people and their partners, straight partners of bisexual or queer people, etc).
The northern end often has campers who aren’t connected to rainbow folks, but rainbow people camp at both ends and everywhere in between.
Many wheelchair users camp every year and have a great time. There are accessible toilets and accessible cold showers. Some areas are not mobility accessible – the river, forest, and the low sensory area down the far south end past the stage and bathrooms.
The area between the gate and the main stage at the southern end tends to be a party zone. The north end also tends to have parties. Some people find it pretty quiet half way between the south gate and the north end, where there are less campsites.
The low sensory zone is down the very far south end amongst the trees, well past the bathrooms and stage area. The track to these sites is not well maintained so vehicle access is limited. Many of these sites are overgrown and don’t get mowed by the council. You may need to slash weeds and clear these sites to use them.
In this area people don’t use generators, and most regular attendees only use yellow lights and do not use flashing lights. On NYE many new campers may arrive who are less aware of the zones, so some white or coloured and flashing lights may end up here.
Some folks arrive before Christmas, but events start on Boxing Day and that’s when most people start to arrive. The main events are generally closer to NYE.
Every year is different, and the weather can be a deciding factor.
2020 was a beautifully quiet year due to Covid. We had no organised events, and probably about 300 camping by New Years Eve.
On a busy year, around Christmas there might be 100 people across the whole campsite, which might triple on Boxing Day, a further 50-100 might arrive each day until New Years Eve, then depending on the weather it might stay at around 650-1,000 or it might double that day to around 1300-2,000.
Yes. Many rainbow families attend every year and the kids have a great time. Its almost as family friendly as a commercial pride event, but it’s not a commercial event so its more wild than that. There is a river and fires so kids need close supervision.
Yes, but you are responsible for them and must keep them on a lead and clean up after them (see the Camp rules). If your dog is wandering, people will say something. If your dog continues to wander, its likely the council will be called and they will show up to enforce the rules. Please be responsible!
No. See the Facilities section.
Everyone does and no one seems to have problems. However, it is untreated, so if you’re worried you could boil it first or bring water with you.
The simplest way is to pay the Queens tax, participate in community life, and look out for others while you’re at camp. This community runs on whanaungatanga and manaakitanga, a loose form of mutual aid – taking care of each other. Ryan’s social spot is a great example.
Another way is to host a community event, or perform on New Years Eve.
And a third way is to help take care of the whenua:
- Respect the wildlife – avoid harming the birds, awa, or native trees.
- Pick up any rubbish you see lying around.
- Gather buckets of gravel from the river and fill in potholes on the tracks.
- Grab a spade and help clear paths of weeds and sand.
- Pull up or cut down weeds like Old Mans Beard which kills native trees, and wild blackberry which can prevent native reforestation.
Find out more
On this page you’ll find basic information on the following topics.
Click the link to scroll to the section.
Facilities
It’s not quite “roughing it”, but there are no hot showers or BBQs provided, and no cellphone reception.
Bathrooms and drinking water
Provided by The Manawatū District Council.
At the southern end of camp you’ll find:
- Accessible all-genders toilet block.
- Untreated drinking water tap outside the toilet block.
- Lockable cold showers.
- Portaloos (from Boxing day)
At the northern end of camp you’ll find:
- Accessible all-genders toilet block.
- Untreated drinking water tap outside the toilet block.
- Accessible and lockable cold showers.
- Portaloos (from Boxing day)
There are also portiloos (from Boxing day) midway between each end, near the road into camp.
Rubbish and recycling
Provided by The Manawatū District Council.
Glass recycling and trash skips are provided, and can be found at the northern end next to the toilet block, or at the southern end in the field semi-opposite the toilet block.
Security and gates
Provided by The Manawatū District Council.
No vehicle entry to the campground is allowed after 7pm on new years eve, so make sure you arrive before then.
There are Police and security services stationed near the gate on NYE. The Queen also has a crew who check for wristbands at community events, and at the gate on NYE. You must pay the Queen’s taxes and get a wristband to participate.
More broadly, our community is tight and looks out for each other. If anyone shows up to harass people, or is seen being aggressive at the NYE party, they will get kicked out.
Local shops and services
Hunterville is the closest small town, about a 10 minute drive from the campground. It has a grocery store, farm supply store, op shops, great hot dogs, burgers, and ice creams. It also has hotels, gas stations, doctors, an ambulance, and more. The locals are very rainbow-friendly and we support their businesses if we can. You can find out more about Hunterville here.
Marton is a bigger town with supermarkets and a lot more shops, about 30 minutes drive away. They’re also friendly and used to our crowd showing up every year.
The closest cities are Palmerston North and Whanganui, both about an hour’s drive.
Medical help
If you need urgent medical help, there are often campers with experience as nurses, medics, or paramedics. Ask the Queen, or anyone nearby who knows where to ask.
If you need an ambulance, you will need to leave camp to get cellphone reception and call 111. If the person who needs help can be safely moved, you may want to meet the ambulance at the camp entrance, or at the intersection between State Highway 1 and State Highway 54 near Cooks Road as it may be easier for them to find you.
For non-urgent medical help, see the local services section above.
If you have first aid or medic training and could assist in an emergency, please contact the Queen.
What to bring
You will be 100% responsible for bringing everything you need. It’s not a commercial festival or event, so no one else is in charge of making sure you’re safe and having a good time.
Its a good idea to bring things like:
- Sleeping stuff – like a tent, bed roll, blankets, ear plugs.
- Personal care items – like towels, medicines, a first aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper.
- Cooking facilities – like a gas cooker, firewood, a chilly bin, pots and pans, a cup, plate, cutlery, rubbish bags, kitchen wipes.
- Comfort items – like a chair, beanbag, table, solar lights, a torch, clock, mirror, or bicycle.
- Clothing – like sensible shoes, warm clothes, a sunhat, and togs.
- Food and drinks – please make excellent plans to eat and drink! There’s a good list of foods that last without a fridge and are easy to prepare in the “Camping for beginners” article linked below.
You can find camping advice for beginners at the following places:
- Camping for Beginners – Gender Minorities Aotearoa.
- Camping Checklist – Rei Co-Op.
Rules and fees
Camp rules
- Be respectful and considerate of other campers.
- Keep dogs in a pen or on a leash, and clean up after them.
- Turn generators off at 8pm.
- Turn music off at 11pm (2am on new years eve).
- Supervise kids near the river and fires.
- Use the toilets provided (not the bushes or riverbank).
- Use the adults only maze if you want to hook up outside your tent – no sex in public areas.
- No fires are allowed except for in designated safe fire pits.
- Respect Papatūānuku – take only photos and leave only footprints.
- Leave your fireworks at home.
Camp etiquette
- Remember that each campsite is someone’s house – even if you know the person, you should always ask before wandering in.
- Get to know other campers, join in community events.
- If you’re using substances (like alcohol, etc) do it safely, let your friends know, and stay out of the river if the substances could affect your water safety.
- Be cool – transphobia, misogyny, racism, non-consensual touching, and other crappy behaviour is not welcome. If you see these things happening, say something.
- Lock any valuables in a vehicle on new years eve if your campsite will be unattended.
Book with Manawatū District Council
Camp fees are paid to Manawatū District Council. They allow you to camp within the campground, but specific campsites are not allocated. This means that you’ll need to arrive early if you want a specific spot (like under a tree, by the river, or near the bathroom).
Visit the MDC website to book online.
Queens tax
If you’d like to attend community events and enter competitions, or you’d just like to help make sure we can all keep enjoying this great community, you can pay a “Queens’ tax” at The Palace, which is signposted.
The Queens’ tax helps to cover community costs, such as the stage, trailer hire for collecting bonfire wood, sound and lighting equipment, etc. The cost is usually around $10, and you’ll get a rainbow wristband (or something similar). If you’re only coming for the New Years eve party, Queens taxes are half price.
Problems at camp
Anyone experiencing problems can go to The Palace (signposted) and talk with the Queen, who is our liaison with the council and the community, and can help sort out any issues.
Community
The Vinegar Hill community is diverse; all genders, ages, sizes, ethnicities, and backgrounds, from all around Aotearoa and beyond. We respect and value the differences between us, as well as our shared histories and experiences.
Here’s why our community comes together here every year:
“Camping. Marshmallows. swimming in the river. beersies. Glow worms. Smokes. Sunshine. Firepit. Kids having fun.”
“The community! So cool to meet old gays, young gays, all gays!”
“A tradition. A place that our friends and whānau come to each year”
“queer bogan family reunion. mass authenticity event, the place where my honest self is at home. too fucking sunny sometimes
“relaxed gay summer vibes”
“F*ckin Feral. Which is what I’m into.”
“gay, safe, fun, colorful, chill, relaxing, friendly, inclusive”
Check out the 2023 Vinegar Hill Census Report to find out more about the Vinegar Hill Camp community.
Ryan’s social spot
You will find a big community table near the bathroom block at the southern end of the campground, where you can make a cup of tea or coffee and meet other campers!
Bring your breakfast and come say hi!
Community events
Usually there are a series of events from Boxing Day to New Years Eve. Most events are family friendly, some are adult themed (generally after 8pm).
The events are organised by campers – some people come every year and host a regular event, others do it now and then. It’s up to the campers to decide and organise.
Below are some events that will probably be held most years.
Queens’ Cuisine is a cooking competition, featuring both amazing dishes cooked at camp, and very silly joke dishes.
Where: hosted at Ryan’s Social Spot by the Queen.
The annual softball game has historically been ‘boys vs girls’ (with non-binary people choosing a team). There is a trophy, and most years the girls win it. In recent years we have seen all kinds of twists on the teams – but its yet to be tents vs campervans!
Where: usually held in the field opposite the bathroom block at the northern end.
The Queer Quiz is a big gay trivia competition – team up with friends to compete.
Where: hosted at Ryan’s Social Spot.
Stitch and Build is a craft event where you can work on an existing project or start something new.
Where: hosted by The Alphabet Mafia.
Most years we have a community flea market, where campers can sell or swap their arts, crafts, baking, clothing, massages, or other goods and services.
Where: held in the field opposite the bathroom block at the southern end.
Fashion of the Fields competition and runway involves campers finding items around camp and in the bush, and turning them into amazing outfits.
Where: hosted at The Hilton by the Queen.
What it says on the tin – fire up your vocal chords and sing to the stars.
Where: hosted by Flamingo-Hoes and Not a Cult.
Themed circuit or dance parties with high energy dance music.
Where: often hosted by Camp David.
Some years people have set up a discreet adults only area with safer sex supplies, provided by Burnett Foundation and NZPC Sex Workers’ Collective. The maze is for those who prefer to take new friends somewhere other than their tent at night, and to make sure adult activities are only happening in discreet areas. If you’d like to help with this, talk with the Queen.
Where: a specific place in the forest, you may need to ask the Queen or ask around.
New Years Eve entertainment usually kicks off around 8pm with the lighting of a huge bonfire.
This is followed by on-stage competitions and performances from fresh new amateur acts and seasoned professionals among the community; poetry, drag shows, stand up comedy, folk bands, metal, hip hop, burlesque, or anything else the community wants to offer.
Around 11pm entertainment switches to a DJ, then shortly before the new year count down prizes are given for the Best Campsite, Best Costume, Friendliest Camper, and other awards, followed by the coronation of the new Queen, and a dance party till 2am.
Where: held in the field opposite the bathroom block at the southern end.
There are lots of other events each year. You can find the most recent timetables here, which show some of the events that have happened in recent years.
If this year’s timetable is posted, it shows some of the events that will happen this year at camp.
Host a community event
If you would like to host a community event or party at your campsite or in a communal area, please talk with the Queen in advance so it can be put on the community notice board program. You can contact the Queen in the Facebook group during the year, or in person at The Palace (at camp).
Perform on New Years Eve
You don’t have to be a professional to perform on New Years Eve! You could offer your poetry, singing, drag show, a competition, MC skills, stage management, or any other help with the entertainment. Please talk with the Queen – there is usually a performers meeting a day or 2 before NYE.
The Queen and Queen’s Council
Members of The Queens Council hold a meeting or meetings in December each year to elect a new Queen. The new Queen is crowned shortly before midnight during the New Year celebration, and will reign during the following year’s celebrations.
The duties of the Queen include liaising with the Manawatu district Council, organising the stage, MC, performers and entertainment, and wood collection for the New Year bonfire, collecting the Queen’s taxes, etc. The Queen’s name is engraved on the Vinegar Hill Queens’ trophy.
To be elected Queen, a person must have attended for at least 5 years, and have provided significant service to the Vinegar Hill community.
The Queen’s Council is made up of former Queens. As well as nominating and electing the new Queen each year, it is the job of the Queen’s Council members to advise and assist the Queen in organising for community life at camp.
Contact the Queen
The Queen is a volunteer position which lasts 1 year and isn’t held by an organisation. This means there isn’t a consistent phone number or email address to contact the Queen. However, there is a Facebook group.
If you want to contact the Queen during camp, you’ll find her or her entourage at The Palace (look for the signs or ask around).
Gay history
Six gay men first camped at Vinegar Hill in 1977, a decade before Homosexual Law Reform. By the 1980s, camping at the hill had become a summer tradition.
The first Queen, Bill Armstrong, was appointed in 1985 to reign at the 1986 camp, by Mal Kennedy-Vaughn of Wellington’s gay bar Scotty and Mal’s (or S&M’s). Initially, the idea of “Queen of Vinegar Hill” was based on a comedic idea of beauty queens, but this later developed into an idea of appointed royalty.
You can listen to interviews featuring Vinegar Hill at PrideNZ.
Read more about the history on Wikipedia here.
This website was created and sponsored by Gender Minorities Aotearoa since 2020.
Vinegar Hill Camp 