Celebrate New Year in Northland
By Rachel Pinder
Planning a trip to Northland over New Year?
There’s heaps going on to keep you entertained, from music events to fireworks displays, you’ll be sure to find something to keep you amused!
Check out
Northern Bass, an outdoor New Years Eve dance party at Haruru Falls near Paihia (opposite Watea Airfield) in the Bay of Islands on December 31.
It’s a fully licenced event which kicks off from 1pm onwards, and there are camping facilities so you won’t have far to fall into bed afterwards.
Or see in the New Year at Otehei Bay with a
Pirate Party on Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands, with an awesome party starting at 7pm. There will be entertainment from covers band Catch 22 and DJ Funky Phat Controller.
Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for $25.
Concert-goers can book a transfer to and from the island with
Explore NZ online, by phone or through the Paihia sales office and the price is $40 return.
 Check out the awesome fireworks display on New Year's Eve out in the bay in Paihia |
There’s also a fireworks extravaganza in Paihia/Russell at midnight on December 31.
The fireworks display is massive - it's based on a barge out in the bay and is visible from Russell, Paihia, Waitangi and the surrounding area. The fireworks, which kick off at midnight, attract thousands of holiday makers and their families, as well as locals. The streets and beaches will be alive with people celebrating New Year’s Eve in a family friendly way. Everyone joins in the fun.
And if you’ve got any energy left after all that partying, head to the
Annual Highland Games in Waipu on January 2 and celebrate all things Scottish.
Check out piping, drumming, highland dancing, athletics and highland heavyweight field events and hang out with the locals.
| |  Watch and listen to bagpipes in action at the Annual Highland Games in Waipu |
Other things worth checking out in the Bay of Islands while you’re there:
Paihia
• Swim with Dolphins out in the bay
• Take a half day cruise to Cape Brett on a Hole in the Rock Cruise
• Kayak up the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls
• Paddle a traditional style waka
• Skydive over the Bay of Islands
• Parasail with a friend or even a threesome
• Explore NZ’s history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
• Go horse riding through the forest
• Walk a high wire or swing on a trapeze
• Take a mini tour of the village highlights
• Walk over the hill and spend the day on beautiful Long Beach
• Check out the Russell Walkway
• Learn about the old tanning and printing processes at Pompallier House
• Visit Russell Museum for a step back in time
• Have lunch or dinner at the iconic Duke of Marlborough Hotel
• Go fishing off the wharf or take a fishing charter
