About Northern Bass
Northern Bass is an annual R18 open-air festival in Northland, New Zealand, centered on drum & bass, dubstep and bass-heavy electronic music (www.undertheradar.co.nz ) (northernbass.co.nz ). Founded in 2011 as a one-night New Year’s party at Haruru Falls (Bay of Islands) (northernbass.co.nz ), it has grown into a multi-night festival on Worsfold Farm in Kaiwaka (near Mangawhai) (northernbass.co.nz ) (matakanacoastapp.com ). The event features large-scale production (notably its “Jungle Stage”) and a vibrant party atmosphere. In recent years it attracted on the order of 10,000 people over New Year’s, making it one of Northland’s biggest music events (www.rnz.co.nz ). Organizers intentionally kept earlier editions smaller (about 6,000 cap for 2025) for a more immersive experience (northernbass.co.nz ). Northern Bass has become a cultural institution in the region – as its founder notes, “it’s a $5 million party” employing many local people and filling a void for bass fans (thespinoff.co.nz ) (www.undertheradar.co.nz ).
Events and Programming
Northern Bass traditionally runs during the last days of the year. From 2011–2024 it was a three-day festival (typically Dec 29–31) (matakanacoastapp.com ), but from the 2025/26 season it shifts to two nights (Dec 30–31) with capacity limited to about 6,000 (northernbass.co.nz ) (www.nzherald.co.nz ). Each night features world-class DJ sets and live acts. Past lineups have included top drum-and-bass and hip-hop artists – for example, the 2023 festival featured DnB legends like Goldie and Sub Focus, alongside Kiwi stars like Lee Mvtthews and Shapeshifter (www.rnz.co.nz ) (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). Multiple stages run concurrently, with the Jungle Stage as the centerpiece and additional Star, Bass and Sunrise-type stages offering varied genres. Along with music, there are art installations, late-night parties and communal camping. Tickets range widely: early-bird daypasses in 2011 were as cheap as ~$70 (www.undertheradar.co.nz ), whereas recent 3-day passes have been ~NZ$280 (plus fees) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The festival usually sells out in advance and has become an annual highlight on NZ’s summer events calendar.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets are sold exclusively through the official Northern Bass channels (the festival website and authorized ticketing partner). Prices use a tiered system: early tickets are cheapest and go up when sold out (northernbass.co.nz ). Options include a 2-day pass for Dec 30–31 and a single-day pass for New Year’s Eve (northernbass.co.nz ). There’s also a VIP “Jungle Lounge” upgrade that grants a private raised viewing platform, fast-track lanes, a dedicated bar and toilets (northernbass.co.nz ). Camping passes must be purchased for anyone staying on-site (northernbass.co.nz ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Note that Northern Bass has a strict no-refunds policy (northernbass.co.nz ) – the event is held rain or shine (see below) – so you should buy tickets carefully (and only via official outlets to ensure they’re valid (northernbass.co.nz )). Presales and ticket tiers are announced well in advance via the festival’s newsletter and social media, so sign up early to access the cheapest tickets.
Seating and Layout
Northern Bass takes place on open farmland, so almost everything is general admission standing. There’s no fixed seating; attendees dance or stand on the lawn around each stage. The Jungle Stage is the main focus: it’s surrounded by the largest dancefloor and close to many campsites. In fact, the campsite is laid out so that some areas are just a “hop, skip and jump” from the Jungle Stage (northernbass.co.nz ). VIP Jungle Lounge area is an elevated platform next to this stage, giving direct sightlines with fewer people (northernbass.co.nz ). Other areas include food courts and chill-out zones. Because it’s flat and open, sound carries well in all directions – front rows at each stage have the strongest bass, while further back is quieter but still lively. In wet weather, the open fields can get muddy, so festivalgoers often wear boots. For best views and sound, get as close to the stage as is comfortable, but be mindful of crowd flow in the busiest areas.
Getting There and Parking
Northern Bass is held at Worsfold Farm, 433 Settlement Road, Kaiwaka (Northland) (matakanacoastapp.com ). By car, approach via State Highway 1 from Auckland (northbound take the Brynderwyn exit towards Kaiwaka/Mangawhai) or from Whangarei (southbound). Note that Settlement Road will be closed to through traffic during the festival (northernbass.co.nz ), so follow official signage. The festival provides free on-site parking for campers (northernbass.co.nz ), plus an auxiliary carpark nearby with a continuous shuttle service. Do not park on the public road – any cars left on Settlement Road will be towed (northernbass.co.nz ). To ease congestion, carpooling is strongly encouraged (northernbass.co.nz ).
For public transport, official shuttle buses run from key locations. In past years there were return coaches from Auckland (Quay Street), Warkworth and Matakana, as well as northbound from Wellsford and Whangarei (northernbass.co.nz ). The Mangawhai Shuttle (runs from Mangawhai Heads and Mangawhai Village) costs around NZ$30 each way. All festival buses require pre-booking – tickets are single-day returns – and are valid only on the chosen service (intoxicated riders are refused) (northernbass.co.nz ). If you’re coming by regional bus (e.g. from Auckland to Wellsford), you would then need a taxi or the festival bus from Wellsford to Kaiwaka, as there’s no direct public service into the farm. Rideshare options (Uber) are very limited this far north, especially late at night, so plan in advance or use the official shuttles (northernbass.co.nz ).
Inside the Venue
Entry is controlled by wristbands (scanned from QR-code tickets) with strict ID checks – tickets are issued in the name of the buyer and you must show matching photo ID at the gate (northernbass.co.nz ). Security will search bags and enforce festival rules on prohibited items. The atmosphere inside is festive and community-driven; expect large crowds of 20s–30s-year-olds dancing under stage lights. The festival grounds have dedicated zones for commerce and services. There are numerous food stalls and vendors selling everything from barbecue and burgers to Asian street food and vegan options. A small on-site convenience store offers supplies like snacks, sunscreen, and beverages. Bars sell alcohol (since outside liquor is banned (northernbass.co.nz )) and soft drinks. Hot showers are available (often free) for campers. Phone charging stations are set up around the camp and VIP areas – in fact the VIP Jungle Lounge even offers free phone charging cups (northernbass.co.nz ). Wi-Fi is not provided, and cell coverage can be spotty, so bring a power bank. Merchandise booths sell festival T-shirts, glow sticks, etc. Portable toilets are plentiful (with some upgraded flushing facilities in VIP/camping zones). Overall, expect a full-service camping festival experience, but keep track of your belongings and plan for limited amenities just outside the village.
Nearby Amenities
The immediate Kaiwaka area is rural with limited services. A few small cafes, dairies or take-aways are nearby for snacks, but most visitors stock up in Ōrewa or Warkworth on the way. For a sit-down meal or more nightlife, the seaside village of Mangawhai (15–20km south) offers several restaurants, bars and takeaways (pizza, burgers, seafood, etc.), as well as motels and holiday rentals. The small town of Wellsford (20 min south on SH1) has petrol stations and fast food, if needed en route. Lodging is scarce in Kaiwaka itself, so many festival-goers stay in Auckland, Warkworth or Mangawhai. (If arriving from out of town, consider the last day before or first day after the festival in nearby Whānuitai or Matakana; ferry or flights should be planned around these towns.) The nearest airports are Whangārei (around 1 hr north) or Kerikeri (90 min north), but most visitors fly into Auckland and drive up.
What Makes This Venue Special
Northern Bass is unique for bringing a world-class bass-music festival to rural Northland. Its origin as Northland’s first dedicated drum-&-bass event filled a gap for Kiwi fans (www.undertheradar.co.nz ). Over the years the festival built up signature designs (the Jungle Stage jungle-themed decor is iconic) and a loyal crowd. It often draws comparisons to larger city festivals, but with a tighter, more communal vibe on farmland. The promoter’s commitment to the event has been evident: for example, during the notoriously wet 2023 edition staff laid astroturf over wooden pallets to create walkways through deep mud (www.rnz.co.nz ). Northern Bass was held for 13 straight summers (www.rnz.co.nz ), making it one of NZ’s longest-running music fests. It has launched or boosted careers of local artists (DJ Storm, Flava D and others featured) and consistently brings international talent (Action Bronson, Keys N Krates, AJ Tracey, etc. in past years (www.undertheradar.co.nz )). Attendees often speak of the fun, friendly culture – New Year countdowns “jungle style” – and the fact that thousands of fellow revellers ring in the new year together under the Northland stars. The open-air setting, intensive light/sound production and communal camping make Northern Bass a distinctive Kiwi festival experience.
Visitor Tips and Information
Plan for all weather. Even in summer Northland can be hot by day and cool at night, and rain is possible (northernbass.co.nz ) – in fact the festival site is treated as an “all-weather” venue (it will not be cancelled for rain) (northernbass.co.nz ). Pack warm clothes, waterproofs and comfortable sturdy shoes (gumboots or hiking shoes) because muddy conditions have occurred. Festival staff advise bringing eye and ear protection (earplugs are handed out in glamps and sold). Always carry your ticket and an official photo ID (name on each ticket must match your ID (northernbass.co.nz )). Only small bags are recommended – large backpacks must be checked. Refillable water bottles are smart as drinking water is piped to taps on site (hydration stations help beat the heat). You can trust vendors for meals and drinks, but also pack snacks/energy food in case. Wireless coverage is limited; download maps or passes ahead of time. Keep some cash, though most places take cards. Be respectful: Northern Bass has strict rules (no illegal substances, no abuse of staff or other attendees (northernbass.co.nz ) (northernbass.co.nz ), and zero tolerance for harassment). Familiarize yourself with site maps and schedules (posted online). Arvo/evening arrivals are common, but consider reaching campsites by sunset on the first day to get set up. Finally, know that the festival is self-managed – bring sunscreen, a towel, and handi wipes to stay clean. With these tips, you’ll stay safe and comfortable while enjoying one of NZ’s most memorable New Year celebrations.
How much do Northern Bass festival tickets cost?
Ticket prices vary by year and release tier. In past years early-bird 3-day passes have been around NZ$280 (excl. fees) (www.ticketfairy.com ), while a 2-day pass (Dec 30–31) was about NZ$210 (www.ticketfairy.com ). Single-day (NYE) tickets are sometimes offered. Prices always rise as ticket tiers sell out (northernbass.co.nz ), so buy early for the best price.
Where can I buy Northern Bass tickets?
Tickets are only sold via the official festival channels (the Northern Bass website and authorized ticket agent). The event uses named tickets (proof-of-purchase is linked to your ID) (northernbass.co.nz ). Avoid third-party sites like Facebook or resale markets to prevent fraud. There is no box office at the venue, so purchase online well in advance.
What is the exact location of Northern Bass?
The festival is held at Worsfold Farm, 433 Settlement Road, Kaiwaka, Northland. (matakanacoastapp.com ) This spot is roughly an hour north of downtown Auckland. Set “Kaiwaka” into GPS or maps; it’s on a quiet rural road near Mangawhai. Follow signage to the event when you’re near.
Is there parking available at Northern Bass?
Yes. Free parking is provided on-site for campers (northernbass.co.nz ). There’s also an overflow lot a short shuttle ride away. Important: Settlement Road will be closed to general traffic during the event (northernbass.co.nz ), and parking on the roadside outside the venue is strictly not allowed (cars will be towed) (northernbass.co.nz ). Plan to enter via the official entrance and consider carpooling.
Can I use bus or train to get to Northern Bass?
The festival sponsors coach shuttles from major towns. In recent years buses ran from Auckland (CBD/Quay Street) and Whangarei (Rose Street), plus nearby stops like Warkworth and Mangawhai Heads (northernbass.co.nz ). A Mangawhai shuttle also ferried passengers to the site. All shuttles are return-trip and require pre-booking (they sell out fast). There is no direct public train to Kaiwaka – the nearest train service ends in Whangarei or Kaukapakapa, so you would still need a ride or taxi from there.
Are seats or good viewing areas reserved?
No fixed seating is provided – Northern Bass is a standing general-admission festival. The best views are in the crowd right in front of each stage. The Jungle Lounge VIP upgrade gives you a raised deck with an unblocked sightline to the Jungle Stage (northernbass.co.nz ). If you don’t have VIP, bring a low chair or blanket to sit wherever you like (many prefer near the front for sound). In bad weather, some spots get muddy, so anything you bring should be water-resistant.
Where is the Jungle Stage?
The “Jungle Stage” is Northern Bass’s main stage, centrally located on the festival grounds. It’s typically near the center of the campsite, with other stages arranged around it. The Green Camp area, for example, is described as just a “hop, skip and jump from the Jungle Stage” (northernbass.co.nz ). Maps are available at the site entrance. If in doubt, follow the biggest crowd and lights – that’s usually the Jungle Stage.
Can I bring food or drinks into Northern Bass?
Only minimal personal items are allowed. Outside alcohol or glass bottles are strictly forbidden (northernbass.co.nz ) (small plastic water bottles or toiletries are usually okay). You cannot bring BBQs, cooking equipment or unsealed drinks (northernbass.co.nz ). The safest plan is to hydrate with an empty refillable bottle and buy food/booze inside. The festival has food stalls and licensed bars, so you can purchase meals and refreshments on site.
What items are prohibited at Northern Bass?
The festival enforces strict no-go items. Prohibited belongings include all glass containers, any outside alcohol, fireworks or weapons, illicit drugs, and gang-related clothing (northernbass.co.nz ). Also banned are flammable/cooking items (BBQs, etc.), lasers, drones, or large umbrellas. Basic personal care bottles (e.g. sunscreen, water in plastic) are allowed. Any forbidden item found in your bag will be confiscated without return. Review the official rules for details, but err on the side of leaving non-essentials at home.
Is Northern Bass a dry event (no alcohol)?
Northern Bass is fully licensed for alcohol – you can buy drinks at the festival bars. However, no outside alcohol is allowed through the gates (northernbass.co.nz ). The event is R18, so you must be 18+ to enter (www.undertheradar.co.nz ) and will be carded at entry. In short: BYO alcohol is banned, but drinking on-site is permitted once you’re in.
What should I wear to Northern Bass?
Dress comfortably and be prepared for changing conditions. Lightweight, breathable clothing is smart for dancing, but bring layers or warm jerseys for after midnight. Waterproof boots or shoes are recommended – the festival has experienced heavy rain, and the ground can get very muddy (northernbass.co.nz ). Most attendees wear casual festival gear (nothing formal). Don’t forget sunscreen for the late afternoon, a hat, and a raincoat or poncho just in case. The festival operates in “all weather” – it won’t be cancelled due to rain (northernbass.co.nz ) – so gear up accordingly.
Are there toilets and showers onsite?
Yes. There are many portable toilets scattered around the venue, plus flushing toilets in VIP and around camping. Hot showers are also available for campers (usually free). You’ll find shower blocks easily once you’re inside. Bring your own towel and toiletries (toilet paper and hand sanitizer often run out). Facilities are clean but can be busy at peak times.
Do I need to book camping in advance?
Yes. All campers must have a camping pass, which is an add-on you select when buying your event ticket (www.ticketfairy.com ). You can camp on the infield once you have that pass. If you don’t have one, you may not enter the campsite. There is no extra camping fee beyond the pass, but space is allocated. For convenience, pre-set glamping options (like the “Bass Hotel” tent packages) are sold out quickly.
What is the “Bass Hotel” glamping option?
“Bass Hotel” is a premium camping upgrade. Teams of two get a pre-pitched 5m round bell tent with a mattress, bedding, lighting and earplugs included (northernbass.co.nz ). Glampers have a dedicated check-in dropoff (no queueing), transportation to the stages, and an exclusive lounge area. The package also includes your camping passes. It’s more expensive than standard camping, but you avoid the hassle of carrying equipment and get added comfort.
Can I use a camping stove or BBQ at Northern Bass?
No, open flames and cooking equipment are not permitted (northernbass.co.nz ). This includes portable BBQs, stoves, fuel canisters, campfires or any device for cooking. You must buy meals from food trucks or eat cold, no-cook options. Rules specifically ban BBQs and flammable material, so plan to eat what’s available from vendors on site.
How do I get from Auckland to Northern Bass?
Driving is the most common option. From Auckland take State Highway 1 north, exit at Brynderwyn towards Kaiwaka/Mangawhai, and follow local roads to Settlement Road. The festival signs will guide you. The drive takes about 1–1.5 hours. Public buses only go as far as Wellsford or Warkworth; from there you’d need a shuttle or taxi (or catch the festival bus from these towns, if available). Some people also comble the ferry (Gulf Harbour to Sandspit) and then drive north. In all cases, plan for busy roads on peak arrival/departure days.
Will Northern Bass be cancelled if it rains? Can I get a refund?
No. Northern Bass is considered an all-weather event (northernbass.co.nz ). It will proceed even in heavy rain or wind. The festival organizers explicitly have a “no refunds” policy (northernbass.co.nz ), meaning tickets are non-refundable for weather or lineup changes. If an act cancels, the schedule may shift but the event stays open. Bring rain gear and gear for muddy conditions, as you must accept the site as-is once gates open.
Do I need to show ID or have my name on the ticket?
Yes. Northern Bass tickets are personalized. The name on your ticket reservation must match the photo ID you present at entry (northernbass.co.nz ). This rule is strictly enforced. If you can’t attend, transfer your ticket through the official channel so the name is updated. Tickets resold or used under any other name will be void. (northernbass.co.nz )
