December 2011, January & February 2012
Northland Events

Please go to www.northlandnz.com/things_to_see_and_do/events/ for a full list of Northland events.

December

Adventure Puketi Dining Experience
Bay of Islands
2 December 2011, 6:30pm
Adventure Puketi & Food at Wharepuke invite groups to celebrate Christmas in the forest. These two award-wining businesses in the Bay of Islands are combining their expriences to create an ambience in a clearing next to the Puketi Kauri Rainforest. Dining under the stars.
DJ Music - dance the night away. Group bookings essential.
Contact email colin@foodatwharepuke.co.nz
Per person incl. transport $110.00 or excl. transport $90.00
www.forestwalks.com

Farmageddon
Bream Bay, Whangarei District
3 December 2011, 1:00pm
Overlooking the beautiful Waipu Cove, Farmageddon, New Zealand’s worst named festival returns with a fresh batch of the country’s best and upcoming talent.
This year’s lineup will include such acts as Electric Wire Hustle, David Dallas (live), Bulletproof, P Money, Home Brew, The A.R.C, MayaVanya, Nick D, Chaos in the CBD, with more to be announced.
Only a short trip from Auckland, with loads of accommodation and transport options taking the plunge is easy.The venue is within reach of several popular holiday spots with transport to and from the venue available. It’s the perfect way to start off your summer
General admission: 69.00
www.farmageddon.co.nz

Kaitaia Christmas Parade
Kaitaia, Far North
3 December 2011, 1:00pm
Commerce Street, Kaitaia with Summer Grooves Concert in Bank Street reserve.
Floats, Santa float, entertainment, local talent at Summer Grooves concert, food stalls, lolly scramble, photo with Santa, pool party. Fun family day out.

Music for Christmas
Turner Centre, Kerikeri
3 December 2011, 7:30pm
Presented by Bay of Islands Singers. Celebrate the Christmas season with a feast of music, including The Christmas Story by Heinrich Schutz and Karl Jenkins’ Celebration of Christmas.

Conducted by John Jackets.
Adults: 25.00, Students (18 yrs & under): 12.00
www.centakeri.com

Whangarei Summer Show
Barge Showgrounds Events Centre, Whangarei
3 & 4 December 2011
Our annual show is one of the biggest events held in Northland. It brings town and country together in an exciting family atmosphere of equestrian events, dairy and beef competitions, sheep and a farmyard nursery. We have live entertainment running on the stage and an entertainment programme of our main state events is available when you arrive.
Other attractions include: vintage machinery, shearing, wood chopping, pony rides, four wheel drive course, the big dig, children’s pet competitions, animals, trade exhibitors, food and wine marquee, Highland dancing.
www.summershow.co.nz

Whangarei Harmony Chorus Christmas Show
Old Library Building Arts Centre, Whangarei
4 December 2011, 1:30pm
The Whangarei Harmony Chorus - eight time New Zealand champions - will also be presenting a selection of favourites and Christmas songs to add fun and enjoyment to your Christmas season of festivities. Afternoon tea will be provided after the show. All welcome.
General admission: 15.00
www.whangareiharmony.org.nz

Kawakawa Masquerade Xmas Parade 2011
Kawakawa, Bay of Islands
7 December 2011, 6:00pm
Kawakawa’s Xmas parade & celebration is changing this year to an evening affair. The theme is a ‘Quirky Masquerade’ Xmas celebrating all that’s individual & different in this world.
Floats will leave The Star Hotel at 6pm and travel along the main road to the Klondike Tavern & return back along the main street to the Star.
Festivities will continue at the Nu Flo centre (Mitre 10 carpark) where the community centre are providing local entertainment & there will be activities for the children & stalls to purchase food & crafts.
Shops will be open late for your convenience.

Christmas Pops - The Heartland Tour
Forum North, Whangarei
7 December 2011, 7:30pm
Turner Centre
8 December 2011, 7.30pm
The Sunday Star-Times Tour Experience COLOUR with the NZSO. This concert brings the magic of Christmas to the heartland of the North Island, with favourite family entertainer Frankie Stevens and conductor Kenneth Young presenting a musical celebration everyone will enjoy. The perfect way to capture the happy spirit of the festive season with those you love!
www.nzso.co.nz/concerts/concerts_and_tours/christmas_pops_2

The Great New Zealand Santa Run
Kensington Park, Whangarei
7 December 2011, 6:30pm
A major fundraiser for KidsCan, the Santa Run concept is simple – a 2-3km fun run/walk in a Santa suit!

Each adult entrant receives a free Santa suit and a goodie bag as part of their entry fee. The goodie bag includes a $30 voucher to spend on Mizuno shoes at The Athletes Foot.
The courses are kept easy so everyone can finish, with minimal training and are highly visible for maximum impact.Our recipient charity is KidsCan with proceeds from the event going to ensuring all Kiwi kids affected by poverty can look forward to a brighter future.
The event centre for the Whangarei event is at the Hatea Harriers Clubrooms, Old Boys Cricket Pavilion, south end of Kensington Park, Whangarei
www.lacticturkey.co.nz/SantaRun.htm

Christmas Festival
Barge Showgrounds Events Centre, Whangarei
8 December 2011, 5:30pm
Welcome to the Venues and Events Whangarei Christmas Festival. We want to celebrate Christmas with a bang this year so we have organised some superb entertainment for the whole family. Our headline act is classic Kiwi icon band Hello Sailor! Not to mention many other acts including Kurfew, Zumba, Whangarei Primary School Choir, Star Search and of course Santa! Our off-stage entertainment includes bouncy castles, face painters, street performers like stilt walkers, jugglers and fire dancers and a fireworks show! Admission: free
www.wdc.govt.nz

Paihia Christmas Parade
Paihia, Bay of Islands
9 December 2011, 5:30pm
Paihia has a wonderful festival atmosphere at Christmas - come and join in. A fabulous parade goes from Kings Rd along the Waterfront to Williams Rd and around town. There is children’s entertainment, a prize for every child that dresses up and Santa’s famous Lolly Scramble.
www.paihianz.co.nz

State OceanKids - Paihia Classic
Paihia Beach, Paihia
10 December 2011, 7:00am
At last, a race for the kids. Kiwi kids love to spend the summer at the beach, so it is wonderful that now they too can participate in ocean swimming - one of New Zealand’s fastest growing sports.
The emphasis will be on fun, swim and water safety, and the opportunity to learn new skills. All kids will receive coaching and training advice from a New Zealand swim team member, and members of Surf Life Saving New Zealand will support every race. What an event!
Early bird pricing: 15.00, Normal pricing: 20.00
www.oceankids.co.nz

State NZ Ocean Swim Series - Paihia Classic
Paihia Beach, Paihia
10 December 2011
After registrations on Friday night 9th December attend the carbo-loading dinner at Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Bay of Islands.
Join Melissa Gorman, world champion, long-distance swimmer from Australia in this series.
There is a distance and challenge for every ability at the State Paihia Classic: 200m State OceanKids, ‘Give it a Go’ 300m and ‘Step it Up’ 1000m as well as the ‘I’m Going Long’ 3.3km.
Race two of the Series moves to the beautiful Bay of Islands for the State Paihia Classic event. The shorter races all take place on the beach at Paihia, while the 3.3km swim leaves from the shores of New Zealand’s first capital – Russell and crosses to Paihia.
This beautiful location makes it the perfect place to enjoy a weekend away with the family or a group of friends and take on one of the four swim events on offer.
Saturday night attend the after function event with drinks and nibbles at Copthorne Hotel.
www.oceanswim.co.nz

Ocean Swim Paihia - After Party
35 Degrees South Aquarium Restaurant and Bar, Paihia
10 December 2011
Celebrate your success and reward yourself after the ocean swim with refreshing beer. We have a special offer for participants in the Ocean Swim - 2 for the price of 1 on our own 35º South Ale. We’ve also got great food and stunning views to enjoy.
www.35south.co.nz

Thundercat Racing
Mangawhai Beach, Mangawhai
10 December 2011
Thundercat racing is a high-adrenalin, high-action sport with explosive wave jumping and tight competitive surf racing in a tunnel hulled inflatable boat. The crew consists of a driver steering the boat and a co-pilot who uses their weight to stabilise the craft and obtain optimum speed.
Surf Cross Racing is run traditionally at surf beaches which provide spectacular jumps, thrills and spills with boats reaching 80kph in the surf. Surf-cross races start with a ‘Le-mans’ style start where the driver dashes out into knee deep water to the co-pilot holding the boat. The teams then battle it out over several laps on a rectangular shaped course running parallel to the shoreline in as little as 300mm of water. The finish is dramatic as boats skid up the beach for co-pilots to leap out the front of their boats and run to the finish line.
www.thundercatracing.co.nz

Jazz In the Vines
Marsden Estate Winery, Wiroa Road, Kerikeri
31 December 2011
A relaxing day of jazz, fine wine and food featuring three bands - The Carol Power Quartet, Buddhapest Swing Quartet and The Joe Carbery Swingtet.
General admission: 20.00
www.northernjazzsociety.com

Wai Worri Woolshed Country Music Muster
Kaipara
31 December 2011, 11:00am
Two day country music festival featuring guest artists, plus many supporting acts.
All weather venue, family entertainment, food and refreshments, children under 15 free. Campers and motorhomes welcome. Central to Waipoua Forest, Trounson Park, Kai iwi Lakes.
Phone Phil on 09 439 5083 or Ted and Cushla on 09 434 0857 for further details.

Northern Bass
Paihia, Bay of Islands (Opposite Watea Airfield)
31 December 2011, 1:00pm
FuZen Entertainment is proud to present Northern Bass – an outdoor day-night New Years Eve dance party at Haruru Falls, near Paihia in the Bay of Islands.
Northern Bass will be a fully self-contained and licensed R18 event complete with camping facilities. It will provide the Bay of Islands, the wider Northland and the seasonal influx of visitors with a much sought after New Years Eve music festival.
Northern Bass will be the first time in years that thousands of locals and visitors to the Bay of Islands will have the chance to see in the New Year with a significant music event. It will also fill a void in the New Years Eve dance party market by finally providing drum ‘n’ bass and dubstep fans with a dedicated festival.
First acts confirmed:
Andy C, Jakes, Chasing Shadows, Brookes Brothers, Truth & Jason Howson.
www.northernbass.co.nz

New Years Eve Pirates Party
Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Islands, Bay of Islands
31 December 2011
Time for that big night out on the island. We will once again be holding our annual Pirates Party on the island. Tickets for the night can be purchased at Ticketmaster.
NZ’s premier covers band Catch 22, plus DJ Funky Phat Controller will be playing.
Ferry tickets, if required, can be purchased through Explore NZ by either clicking on http://www.oteheibay.co.nz/Urupukapuka-Island-Events.html or by phoning 0800DOLPHIN. Ferry will leave from Paihia at 6.30pm and again at 8.00pm and leave the island at 12.30am and 2.00am. Cost is $40 return. This is a licensed premises, so strictly no BYO. Food and drink available for purchase from the Waterfront Bar & Cafe on site.
General admission: 25.00
www.oteheibay.co.nz

Please go to www.northlandnz.com/things_to_see_and_do/events/ for a full list of Northland events.

January

Annual Highland Games, Waipu
Waipu
2 January 2012
The Waipu Games is the largest event of its kind in New Zealand. The 138th games will be held at Caledonian Park, gates open at 9.30am Bring the family for a fun filled day of entertainment, tradition, culture & heritage. See New Zealand’s finest Highland dancers, pipers & Heavyweights in action. Dancing, piping, drumming, field events, athletics, music, culture & heritage & much more. www.waipugames.co.nz

Mike King - Live at the Island
Otehei Bay, Urupukapuka Island, Bay of Islands
4 January 2012, 7:00pm
One of the best comedians New Zealand has ever produced. It was such a success last time Mike was out here he has decided to come back for another show.Tickets are not required to be purchased beforehand but there will be a $10 door charge on entry.Combine the show with an early dinner, drinks or just relax on the beach during the day.
www.oteheibay.co.nz

Interislander Summer Festival Ruakaka Races
Ruakaka Racecourse, Bream Bay
5 January 2012
Come along to one of the best racing locations in New Zealand, where the surf meets the turf. Enjoy a relaxed family day out, there will be plenty of local food and wine to enjoy, great live music and heaps of fun activities to keep the kids busy.
General admission: 10.00
Champagne Lawn reserved seating - for 10 people: 900.00
www.theraces.co.nz/summer-festival/events.html?event=728

Reggae On The Rock
Waihapa, Webber Road, Kaeo
7 January 2012, 2:00pm – 12:00am (gates open 12:00pm)
Reggae on the Rock, in the hills surrounding the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour Northland, will be the place to be this coming summer featuring the country’s top reggae bands.
Line up: Katchafire, House of Shem, 1814, Three Houses Down, Cornerstone Roots, Sons of Zion
and Guest Dj Tickets: Limited to 2,300. 1st release 1st October $ 85 2nd release 1st November $100 3rd release 1st December $115
Online at www.eventfinder.co.nz or Real Groovy -Auckland, Musicor -Whangarei, Soundlounge -Kerikeri and Aquapulse-Kaitaia

Endless Summer Music Festival
7, 13, 20 & 28 January 2012
One Boat departs Paihia at: 6.30pm (max 220)
One Boat departs Otehei Bay at: Midnight (max 220)
Bands – local NZ original artists, covers bands and DJ’s. Artists TBC.
Concert is FREE but concert-goers must either make their own way to and from the island or purchase a return transfer with Explore NZ online, by phone or through Paihia sales office and the price is $40 return. Contact: Andy Mitchell; oteheibay@explorenz.co.nz

Mid Northern Rodeo, Whangarei
7-8 January 2012
Barrel races, team roping events, bull riding, saddle broncs and steer wrestling. Two days of excitement, thrills and sheer entertainment.
www.rodeonz.co.nz

Paihia Summer Festival
5-15 January 2012
The Paihia Summer Festival, running throughout the 10 days will be various different FREE events for visiting and local families to get involved in. Sandcastle competition, Monster Mural, Mystery Trail, Jandal Throwing, classic Games, kids fishing tournament, Hip Hop Workshop also there will be prizes and lots and lots of fun, for more details of specific times and dates for the events please refer to website. Lots of free family friendly fun. Sponsored by Business Paihia and many other local businesses!
Contact: Anika 09 407 5574 Email: anikawhapshott@slingshot.co.nz
Website: www.paihianz.co.nz/events

6th Northland Circus Festival
Kai Iwi Lakes Campground Tahaora Domain, Waipoua
13, 14 & 15 January 2012
After a one year break the Circus is back again for it’s 6th Northland Circus Festival.
You’ll be treated to a smorgasbord of circus, workshops, shows and heaps of fun for all ages and all abilities. Whether you like to swing above the ground, throw things about or clown around, there’s bound to be plenty for you to enjoy. This time round we’re also offering non-stop unicycle events for those of you who can’t get enough of the single wheel.
See our website for more information, or visit Friends of Kumarani on Facebook, or call us (09 4395152) or visit us at 14 Parenga St, Dargaville.
Camping is extra and must be done through the camp managers. Ph: 09 439 4757 or email lakes@kaipara.govt.nz
www.circuskumarani.co.nz

Kaikohe A&P Association
Kaikohe Showgrounds & Equestrian Centre, Kaikohe
corner of Ngawha Springs Rd & State Highway 12, Kaikohe
14 January 2012, 9:00am
A&P Show where country comes to town. Competitive equestrian & livestock events, side shows, entertainment, trade stalls. Fun for the whole family. Side Shows galore, Trade sites, Food stalls
Adult (14 years up) $ 7.00
Contact: Margaret Osborne 09 401 2400 Email: kaikohe.show@yahoo.co.nz
Website: www.ras.org.nz

Prelude: 3rd Annual Garden Concert
Pompallier Mission, Russell
22 January 2012, 5:00pm
It’s already the third time we are doing our Garden Picnic Concert in historic Pompallier Gardens and we have a beautiful set of piano Works. Listen to the magical moments of the most beautiful works written for piano by composers J.S. Bach, F. Chopin, C. Debussy, D. Shostakovich and S. Rachmaninov. As usual bring a picnic and enjoy the sound of the Boesendorfer against the back drop of the waves of the Bay of islands and the Historic Pompallier Gardens by Art Zegelaar.
Adult Early Bird: 30.00, Students/Children: 7.00, Adult: 40.00
www.artzegelaar.blogspot.com

Bay of Islands Sailing Week 2012
Opua Wharf, Paihia
23 - 27 January 2012, 4:00pm
North Sails Tent - 2012 will be the 10th anniversary of the Bay of Islands Sailing Week. Registration Monday followed by four days of yacht racing in the Bay.
The website offers current and future information on the Bay Regatta; also photos and newsletters on the 133 yachts January 2011. Entry for 2012 is now available on-line and there is access to a page for skippers looking for crew and/or crew looking for boats
www.bayofislandssailingweek.org.nz

Ngapuhi Festival, Kaikohe
28-29 January 2012
Kaikohe is gearing up to yet again host the bi-annual Ngāpuhi Festival which is expected to attract thousands while highlighting and celebrating the culture and pride of one of New Zealand’s largest iwi. Presented by Te Runanga-A-Iwi-O-Ngapuhi.
The prime purpose of this event is reinforcing and promoting the Mana, Matauranga and Tikanga of Ngāpuhi nui tonu. A weekend full of entertainment, art, competitions, kapa haka, whanaungatanga, wananga, matauranga, stalls, shopping and plenty of kai.
www.ngapuhifestival.maori.nz

Please go to www.northlandnz.com/things_to_see_and_do/events/ for a full list of Northland events.

February

Dargaville Burnout Comp/Kaipara Car Show Weekend
Hoanga Road, Dargaville
4 & 5 February 2012
Annual burnout competition and Car show with $15,000 prize money up for grabs. Groove to band Tempist Fujit, plus a DJ. Bikini competition, licensed bar and more. Gates will be open on 3rd February to all show cars, burnout cars, and campers.
Day pass: 20.00, Extra to camp: 10.00
www.kaiparacarshow.co.nz

Waitangi Day Celebrations
6 February 2012
At 5.30am the nation's birthday begins in prayerful mood at the Whare Runanga. A lone piper will greet the dawn at the country's largest Naval flagstaff to begin a day of sports, ceremony and community family fun. Entertainers will celebrate the diversity of New Zealand through the performing arts throughout the grounds and on the Hobson's Beach/Maikuku stage. At noon a 21-gun salute and the Band of the Royal New Zealand Navy will fill the clifftop Treaty Grounds with traditional ceremony. The Beat Retreat ceremony will formally close the day at the flagstaff at 5pm, then at 7:30pm a free concert will gather crowds again to the stage at Hobson's Beach.
Email korero@waitangi.net.nz
www.waitangi.net.nz

Bay of Islands Arts Festival Launch
18-26 February 2012
The Bay of Islands Arts Festival is held every second year will be nine days of non-stop entertainment. The Festival will bring the best in classical music, jazz, theatre, dance, comedy and art from around New Zealand (and even as far away as China). There will be something exciting at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri every night of the Festival and each weekday at lunchtime. There will also be a major art exhibition.
www.bayofislandsartsfestival.co.nz

BOI Food and Wine Festival
25 February 2012
Details to be advised.

Whangarei Garden Discovery 2012
Whangarei Quarry Gardens, Whangarei
24, 25 & 26 February 2012
Celebrate summer in the subtropics. Immerse yourself in 3 days of wonderful gardens and art. You will be delighted and inspired by the 2012 gardens, half of which have never been open to the public before. This self-drive trail of 24 gardens takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Whangarei District. Our 3rd exhibition at Whangarei’s Quarry Gardens promises to be bigger and better than before.
Adult: 20.00
www.gardendiscovery.org.nz

Captain Morgan Snapper Bonanza Surfcasting Competition
Kaitaia, Far North
28 & 29 February, 1, 2 & 3 March 2012
Don’t miss the second ever Captain Morgan Snapper Bonanza Fishing Competition there’s over $100,000 worth of prizes to be won - including a lucky draw for a Triton 4 x 4 Double Cab Ute worth $30,000! General entry $ 275.00
For a full list of prizes and entry details visit www.snapperbonanza.co.nz

ENDS

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