Music lovers everywhere are counting down the days to the country's biggest and best musical event - Auckland's Big Day Out (BDO) at Mt Smart Stadium.
And it isn't called the Big Day Out for nothing, with more than 70 acts set to perform on more than seven stages come January
21.
But although much of the attention will be focused on the headliners - those big international acts you may see only once in your life in NZ (okay, most of them have played here before, but you know what I mean) - Tool, Rammstein, Iggy and the Stooges, MIA, Grinderman, The Black Keys, The Jim Jones Revue, Crystal Castles, CSS, Deftones, Primal Scream, LCD Soundsystem, etc, etc.
But some of the really good times will be had in front of the smaller, unheralded acts that you may never have heard of - possibly Birds of Tokyo, Computers Want Me Dead, Airborne or Kiwi roots act Three Houses Down.
In fact, there's a top line-up of Kiwi acts on show, including the likes of Shihad, Luger Boa, Die! Die! Die!, Mt Eden Dubstep, Six 60 and Steriogram.
With all that music on offer, it's easy to get carried away and, with so much going on, it's a good idea to try to plan your listening experience in advance.
It helps to spend a bit of time planning which acts you definitely want to see, which bands you'd like to see and which ones you'd be keen on seeing if you have the time. From there, look at the times they all appear and plan how much of each set you can see without missing something vital on another stage (remember also that it can take some time to get between stages in the madding crowd).
But despite your best plans, it's common to expect to watch a band for maybe 15 minutes before another act you really want to see, only to find that fill-in act blowing you away and you just have to see the rest of the set.
For a bit of light entertainment, it's a good idea to check out the strange shenanigans of the freaks who frequent the Lilyworld. This area is for those over 18, though. Those with previous BDO experience will know what to expect and no doubt are anticipating the good times on offer.
As well as the music, and goodness knows what going on at Lilyworld, there's plenty of other stuff to keep punters entertained, including the various fairground attractions, market stalls and possibly the best bit of entertainment on offer - people watching.
I'd also recommend a quick look and listen at the Silent Disco.
And for those of you who are attending the event for the first time, have fun, be safe and get ready for one of the best days out you can experience.
Tickets: $150 (plus booking fee) at bigdayout.com
SURVIVAL KIT
Take some ID: you won't get served alcohol unless you have some, regardless of how old you look.
Take some cash: there are eftpos machines on site, but cash is king and can save you having to queue for hours.
Take some drinking water: bottled water sold at the BDO is more expensive than in the
middle of the Gobi Desert.
Slip, slop, slap and wrap: sunstroke is a real danger at the BDO with the event usually
bathed in glorious sunshine, so a top, sunblock, a hat and sunglasses are essential. You'll also look pretty cool with the right sunnies.
Arrange a meeting spot: if you go with friends it's a good idea to arrange a spot where you can meet if you get split up - which is highly likely - such as the giant Gate A sign at the top of the main stairs up from the pitch.
Pace yourself: it's a 12-hour marathon, not a sprint, so any overindulgence may see you
miss some excellent acts.
Music lovers everywhere are counting down the days to the country's biggest and best musical event - Auckland's Big Day Out (BDO) at Mt Smart Stadium.
And it isn't called the Big Day Out for nothing, with more than 70 acts set to perform on more than seven stages come January
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