First Bites is back and better than ever!

We’re excited to be bringing First Bites back for 2026, with a smoother and more streamlined process to make securing your tickets easier than ever.  

Membership of First Bites gives a small group of Visa Wellington On a Plate fans the opportunity to book tickets to once-in-a-lifetime festival events before they go on sale, unique experiences that quickly gain a reputation across Wellington through word of mouth. Your membership also supports our work celebrating Wellington as Aotearoa New Zealand’s creative and culinary capital.

First Bites members will be able to purchase tickets from 15-19 June, ahead of Visa presale and general release. Members will receive a booking code from iTICKET before the booking window opens. Ticket availability is limited per event and allocated on a first come, first served basis.

First Bites is limited to 100 people (one membership per person), and the membership is $100. Membership applications are open from 29 April until 20 May (or until membership reaches 100 people).

You can register for your First Bites membership here