Highlife

Held at Smales Farm on Auckland’s North Shore, this outdoor Takapuna location offers plenty of grassy space to enjoy the music and summer weather in a more sophisticated setting. Highlife has been throwing premium events for more than a decade, so while this party is new, this is no virgin event in terms of organisation. Expect tasteful décor, the latest in electronic music, gourmet food, and an A-list crowd.

If FOMO is going to see you double up on your celebrations, you’ll be pleased to know Highlife NYD doesn’t kick off until 1pm, partying to 11pm. As 2nd January is a public holiday, you won’t have to stress about a 9am work meeting, instead, you and your crew can keep it 100, safe in the knowledge that a rest day follows.

Tickets go on sale in August with general admission, VIP or private party suites up for grabs. VIP affords you closer access to the DJs with a wrap-around stage area, outdoor lounge, private bathrooms and top-shelf booze. If you’ve always dreamed of swinging into the new year in a Las Vegas bottle-service-style then grab your mates and get the private party suites. The package includes VIP tickets for eight, personal marquee, wait staff and some champagne. Highlife NYD is 21+ but special consideration may be given for applicants 18-20.

At any Highlife event, the chance of being snapped by party photographer Norrie Montgomery for an Auckland best-dressed list is high – the crowd gets dressed up so leave the board shorts, tanks, and jandals at home and show Auckland what you’ve got.

You have a few options of getting to Highlife NYD. The easiest is the dedicated buses from Auckland central and Ponsonby. Both routes offer two times, either over at 1pm and returning at 10pm; or for the fashionably late, 2pm out and 11pm back. If you’re packing a good sized group of buddies then a limo is always an option; for larger crews, consider chartering your own bus, via Highlife. You’ve also got the option of regular buses (though on a public holiday timetable) and parking is free on site. Consider driving in, Ubering home and then getting a mate to drop you back before the car curfew at 5pm on the 2nd January.

Highlife one-day events typically draw an Auckland crowd but if you’re coming from out of town, or simply want a cool pad to pre-game at, look on Airbnb, Bookabach or select one of the seven Takapuna hotels. Book early as many visitors will still be in the area after their NYE celebrations… and then show them how you really welcome in the new year!