Summer meccas: Paihia, the town that rocks at New Year

Paihia has a reputation as one of the best party spots in the north over summer, drawing big crowds for its 24-hour outdoor rock concert over New Year's Eve.

Where: Paihia, in the Bay of Islands.

Drawcards: The beaches, which are safe for swimming, and historic Waitangi Treaty grounds and the concert, held annually at Haruru Falls, 8km from Paihia.

Traditionally a family holiday spot, but also attracts teenagers, boaties, tourists and backpackers.

Far North District Council spokesman Rick McCall says the town has always been a gathering spot for young people.

"I suppose if I was a young fella, I would have gone to Paihia probably to pick up the ladies."

Past trouble: Police report no big riots, partly because the concert gives young people somewhere to go and liquor bans are strictly enforced. The rock concert gets bigger every year.

Policing: Police have increased their numbers and now run two separate operations: one for the concert and the other for the town streets.

About 40 police will be at the concert and a further 80 in Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri and Kaeo.

Liquor bans: These were put in place over the Christmas and New Year break about 10 years ago, in response to community concerns that drunk and brawling revellers would deter families from visiting the area.

Paihia: 6pm to 6am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year, and from December 25 to January 3, on streets and reserves around the waterfront.

Russell: For 12 hours from 6pm on New Year's Eve from Constitution Hill northwards throughout the peninsula.

Other rules and regulations: No alcohol or glass are permitted within 1km of the entrance to the Haruru Falls concert from 7am on New Year's Eve to 7am the next day.

Beer can only be bought from the beer tent inside. The concert organisers also supply their own security guards, and St John's ambulance staff will be on hand.

Population increase: Normal population about 2000.

Over New Year, it swells to about 15,000, with a further 11,000-15,000 expected to go to the concert.

Events: The Party concert is headlined by Pacifier and also includes the D4, King Kapisi, Nesian Mystik, betchadupa, Twolane Blacktop, and Revolver.

Concert-goers camp in the grounds for the 24 hours.

The Paihia Business Association has organised a fireworks display at midnight in the bay.

* Tomorrow: Taupo