Where to Go This New Year’s

With plenty of gigs, shows and events around the country there’s no excuse for having a quiet one this year!

Grab your mates and head on a road trip to one of the following festivals, or dance the night away at gigs or parties in your hometown. As New Year’s comes only once a year, the tough decision is where to head…

Canaan Downs Festival
With over 130 artists and DJs bringing non-stop electronica from New Zealand and overseas, this is one high energy event! The festival is held over five days from December 29 to January 2 at Takaka Hill in Nelson Bays. The designated festival campsite is five minutes walk to the music stages.
For more information visit www.canaandowns.com and to purchase tickets see www.cosmiccorner.co.nz

Rhythm and Vines
Hailed as the ‘first festival in the world to see the sun’ and with plenty of famous artists, Gisborne’s annual event is sure to rival the Big Day Out. Bloc Party, The Mint Chicks, The Have and State of Mind will play over the 24 hour event, along with plenty of other well-known names. Now in its fifth year, Rhythm and Vines has proved to be one of the country’s biggest New Year’s events so get tickets soon.  The festival
starts at 1pm on December 31st and finishes 12pm January 1st. See www.rhythmandvines.com for more info.

Mercury Rising
The Coromandel Peninsula this year hosts 15 local artists including The Phoenix Foundation, Katchafire, Tahuna Breaks, Che Fu and Gasoline Cowboy. There are two stages plus a separate stage in the MOJO Bar. The concert goes from 3pm, December 31 to 1.30am
on January 1 and is held in Ohuka Farm, across the road from Buffalo Beach in Whitianga. Tickets can be purchased from Ticketek.

The Big Drop Off
For those near the capital, Ladi6 & Parks, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Shapeshifter headline at the Queen’s Wharf in Wellington on December 31st. The event goes all night from 8.30pm until sunrise New Year’s Day. DJs Mu, Cian and Kava are also playing.
For tickets see www.amplifier.co.nz

Prana New Year’s Eve Festival
Resolved to do more for the environment in 2008? Kick start your resolutions with five days of meditation, organic food, music and yoga. Guest speakers will also talk about climate change and hydro-power as part of this year’s theme, ‘Our Changing Planet’. The festival runs from 9am, December 29 to 12pm January 2 at the 100 acre Prana Retreat in Whangamata. For
more info see www.prana.co.nz

Salvation
Trance, house and down beats combine with laser lighting on three separate levels of Galatos Bar off K Road. More than ten DJs will play from 10pm, New Year’s Eve until 6am on New Year’s Day. Tickets can be bought from Real Groovy or see http://www.salvationparty.co.nz

Destination: 2008
Also on K Road is 12 hours of dance at 4:20 Bar from 9pm, New Year’s Eve to 9am the next day. Get in now for early bird tickets at less than $30 from Real Groovy and Ticketek. See www.innovation-entertainment.com for more info.

Highlife New Years Eve Party at StonyRidge
Ferry over to Waiheke Island for what promises to be a classy night. To go to this event you must be 20 years or older and ‘dressed to impress’. There are seven party areas with music by DJs Ron Carroll, The Soul Avengerz, General Lee plus many more. See www.highlifeentertainment.co.nz for details. Tickets are almost sold out.

Kora and Salmonella Dub at Dux De Lux
Head down south for reggae grooves with these two accomplished bands. DJ Soundsystem, Sunshine Soundsystem and Soul Defined also support for the R18 show in Christchurch. Tickets are available from Real Groovy and Ticketek.

The Feelers, The Black Seeds and Th’ Dudes playing small town gigs
In the South Island, The Feelers play at Riwaka Hotel in Motueka with support from Elemeno P and Atlas; while The Black Seeds play at Lake Hawea Hotel with Anika Moa. In the North, Th’ Dudes play at the Waihi Beach Hotel as part of their Summer of Love tour.

First Night Auckland 2008
If you’re after a free, safe and family friendly event, then this is for you! The Aotea Centre will be packed with a great line up of Kiwi artists including OpShop, One Million Dollars, Annabel Fay and The Shades. There will also be a range of live entertainment and activities, including Bollywood dancing and hip hop krumping!

Holly