Best places to spend New Year’s in the North Island

With the clock running down on 2018, it’s time to get those party plans sorted to welcome in the New Year. So why not think about North Island bus travel these holidays?

Sometimes it’s a challenge working out the best places to be when the fireworks go up – do you go back to a place you’ve loved visiting before, or is 2019 the year for somewhere new? Have a think about these options if you and your friends and family need ideas.

And it’s worth thinking about how you’ll get to where you’re going, too – grabbing a ride with Skip is a great way to get cheaper, faster funner North Island bus travel!

1. Downtown Auckland

Fireworks are everywhere as the clock strikes midnight, but it’s hard to beat a display from the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere – the Sky Tower at Auckland’s Sky City. This event is also going to include a street party with live music and bands like Jupiter Project and Jetski Safari.

2. Mount Maunganui

The beachy spot of Mt Maunganui is really close to Tauranga and is known for turning into a great place to party on New Year’s Eve. Although there isn’t an organized public event at the main beach this year, the Bay Dreams Pre-Party is set for New Year’s Day and has a big line up of rap and dance acts. 

3. Tauranga

Feel good New Zealand band Salmonella Dub Soundsystem is set for a gig at Papamoa, Tauranga on New Year’s Eve, along with some local support acts to get you grooving into 2019. And if you’re heading there with Skip Bus, there are community events planned in the Tauranga city centre, Papamoa and Matua.

4. Wellington’s waterfront

Harbourside in the capital is action packed on the last night of the year – locals will see in 2019 not only with fireworks but also yummy food truck menus and musical performances.

5. Rotorua’s GLO festival

This is one for the families, with entertainment, music, movies and food happening from the afternoon until the evening.