Events and Programming
420 Settlement Road is the address historically used for Worsfold Farm, the rural home of Northern Bass near Kaiwaka and Mangawhai. Current festival information generally identifies the operational site and main drop-off entrance as 433 Settlement Road, Kaiwaka . It is in the Kaipara District of Northland, not Auckland, despite some event directories grouping it with the wider Auckland market. Visitors should always follow the address, gate and traffic instructions issued for their particular event.
The public programme is concentrated rather than year-round. Most of the farm remains a rural property outside festival periods, with temporary stages, camping grounds, bars, food courts and production areas installed for major events. Its signature booking is Northern Bass, an R18 New Year festival built around drum and bass, jungle, grime, hip hop, dubstep, UK garage and related electronic styles. International headliners are programmed alongside established and emerging artists from Aotearoa.
Recent publicly documented events began with Welcome to the Jungle 2021 , a one-stage festival featuring Andy C and Tonn Piper, Hybrid Minds and Tempza, The Upbeats and Tali, Alix Perez, Lee Mvtthews, Chiccoreli and other local selectors. The planned Northern Bass 2021/22 was first shifted from New Year to Auckland Anniversary weekend and then cancelled under the COVID-19 red setting, so no edition took place at the farm that summer. ticketfairy.com
Northern Bass 2022/23 marked the full festival’s return. Its three-day programme included Pendulum, Chase & Status, Andy C, Joey Bada$$, Sampa the Great, DJ Marky, Kings of the Rollers, Bou, Flava D, Lee Mvtthews, Ladi6, Salmonella Dub with Tiki Taane and The Upbeats. Welcome to the Jungle returned in February 2023 with Sub Focus, Dillinja, DRS, IMANU, Alix Perez, Lee Mvtthews, Tali and Paige Julia.
Northern Bass 2023/24 brought Sub Focus, Netsky, Goldie, Hedex, Sigma, Calibre, Black Sun Empire, Conducta, Dillinja, Pola & Bryson, Bad Boy Chiller Crew, Home Brew and a substantial local bill. The 2024/25 edition continued the blend of bass music and rap with Andy C, Roni Size, Hybrid Minds, SHY FX, A.M.C, Bou, AJ Tracey, Ghetts, Songer, Montell2099, Lee Mvtthews, Melodownz and The Upbeats.
For 2025/26, organisers temporarily reduced Northern Bass from its traditional three-day, three-stage form to a two-day edition centred on the Jungle Stage. Capacity was capped at 6,000, approximately half the scale of recent full editions. Aitch, Dizzee Rascal, Pendulum, Alix Perez, DJ Hype, DJ Hazard, Kings of the Rollers, The Upbeats, Barkaa and State of Mind were among the performers. The event sold out, with organisers later reporting more than 3,500 people on the waiting list.
Welcome to the Jungle was due to return to the farm in March 2026, but severe weather left the Kaiwaka grounds unsuitable for a safe build. The show was relocated to two indoor Auckland venues, meaning it should not be treated as a 2026 performance at Settlement Road. The farm remains an active festival site, however, and Northern Bass’s 15th-anniversary edition is announced for 30 and 31 December 2026, finishing on 1 January 2027.
As announced by 24 August 2026, the anniversary line-up includes Andy C and Tonn Piper, Culture Shock, JME, Lee Mvtthews, Songer, The Upbeats, 4AM KRU, A Little Sound, Break, DJ Zinc, Ivy Lab, S.P.Y, Swindle, Tali, QUIX and numerous rising artists. Further names may be added. No separate public event at the farm beyond that anniversary festival has been confirmed, although a resource consent granted in October 2025 allows up to three large-scale events per calendar year without a fixed expiry date.
Tickets and Booking
Buy admission only through the event’s authorised sales channel. Northern Bass uses named tickets, and the name must match the accepted photo identification presented at the gate. Private purchases and resales conducted outside the organiser’s designated resale system may be invalid. Official resale is generally activated for a ticket category after it sells out, but listing a ticket does not guarantee that another buyer will take it.
Prices rise through early-bird and numbered release tiers. Historical public listings place one-night Jungle events at roughly NZ$100–$170 before some fees, while multi-day Northern Bass admission has commonly fallen between approximately NZ$200 and NZ$470 , depending on release, duration and package. Camping, campervan space, pre-pitched tents, VIP-style areas and transport are normally separate unless a package expressly includes them. ticketfairy.com
Popular editions can sell out well before December. The practical strategy is to secure festival admission first, then immediately add camping or transport if required. Early-bird tickets for the 2026 anniversary had already sold out by May, before the first line-up announcement in July. Payment plans may be offered on qualifying orders, but fees and final-payment deadlines apply. Do not rely on gate sales for a major New Year edition.
About 420 Settlement Rd
This is not a permanent arena, theatre or nightclub. It is a working rural festival property where the landscape becomes part of the venue: rolling paddocks accommodate stages, audience fields, temporary roads, camping areas and support compounds. There are no permanent auditorium dimensions, fixed seating capacity or year-round public opening hours. The usable footprint and attendance limit change with each approved event plan.
Northern Bass began in 2011 as a one-night party at Haruru Falls. Demand led the promoter to move the second edition to Worsfold Farm in 2012, where there was more camping space, room for food outlets and a larger festival build. It subsequently developed into a multi-stage, multi-day New Year institution. The official history describes the journey from one night in Haruru Falls to three nights across multiple stages in Kaiwaka.
There is no single, permanent capacity figure. Around 5,500–6,000 people were expected in 2014, while local reporting counted approximately 11,000 attendees at the 2022/23 return. The deliberately compact 2025/26 edition was capped at 6,000. An exact capacity for the full-scale 2026 anniversary had not been published by 24 August 2026, so older figures should not be treated as its authorised limit.
Seating and Layout
Expect general-admission standing areas rather than seats. The front of a stage offers the greatest intensity but also the strongest bass, densest crowd and most limited freedom of movement. Mid-field positions usually provide the most comfortable compromise between sound, visuals and personal space. Rear and side areas are better for taking breaks, although temporary structures, production positions and changes in ground level may affect sightlines.
VIP or lounge products have been offered at numerous Northern Bass editions, but they should not be confused with reserved seating. Benefits and locations change annually. Stage names, pathways, bars and camping boundaries can also change; for example, the 2025 edition focused on the Jungle Stage, with Oasis operating on New Year’s Eve and another stage running across both festival days.
No verified public technical rider gives stage dimensions, PA manufacturers, subwoofer counts, lighting fixture inventories or production power specifications. The organiser describes heavyweight sound and immersive production, but equipment is part of a temporary annual build and may change between events. Bring properly fitted earplugs: this is bass-focused programming intended to deliver substantial low-frequency energy.
Getting There and Parking
The site is roughly 100 kilometres north of central Auckland, between Kaiwaka and Mangawhai. Under ordinary conditions the drive can take around 90 minutes to two hours, but New Year traffic and event controls can add considerable time. Settlement Road is normally closed to public event traffic from the State Highway 1 end. Festival vehicles are directed through Kaiwaka–Mangawhai Road and Hakarū, using the signed gate allocated to their ticket or transport type.
On-site parking is normally free for campers and day-ticket holders. It is paddock parking, so expect grass, uneven ground, dust in dry weather and mud after heavy rain. Parking on Settlement Road is strictly prohibited and roadside vehicles may be towed. Sleeping in the general car park is not permitted; only vehicles with the correct campervan pass may be used as accommodation.
Festival coaches have operated from Auckland, Warkworth, Wellsford, Kaiwaka, Whangārei, Ruakākā, Uretiti, Waipu, Waipu Cove, Langs Beach, Matakana and Omaha. Local Mangawhai shuttles generally connect Mangawhai Heads and Mangawhai Village with the farm every 15–30 minutes during advertised periods. Routes, days and departure times vary, and most services require advance booking.
Pre-booked taxis, private drop-offs and pick-ups use Gate B, currently identified as 433 Settlement Road. Local taxi supply is limited, especially after midnight, so an unplanned rideshare request is risky. Walking along designated bus routes or the state highway is expressly forbidden because of darkness, traffic and the absence of safe pedestrian infrastructure.
Inside the Venue
Entry involves ticket scanning, an ID check, wristband issue and security searches of bags, clothing, containers and, when required, vehicles. Northern Bass is strictly R18. Accepted identification is limited to a current New Zealand driver licence, current passport, current Kiwi Access Card or accepted current 18+ identification. Intoxicated patrons can be refused admission or transport without a refund.
The festival is cashless, with purchases handled through an electronic wristband system. Full editions generally provide licensed bars, food vendors, drinking water, toilets, showers, phone charging and a convenience outlet. Premium camping can include pre-pitched bell tents, mattresses, bedding, exclusive showers and flushing toilets. General camping is more basic and requires guests to bring their own suitable equipment.
There is no verified permanent coat check, locker bank or public Wi-Fi service, so bring only what you can carry securely. Mobile coverage can become congested when thousands of people arrive. Arrange meeting points with friends before entering, photograph the event map and transport timetable, and keep enough battery for tickets, cashless payments and the journey home.
Camping and Nearby Amenities
General camping, campervan areas, sustainability-focused Green Camp, budget pre-pitched packages and the more comfortable Bass Hotel have all been offered. Standard tents should generally remain within 3 metres by 3 metres, with no side exceeding 6 metres for larger shared tents. Campervans must comply with the published vehicle limits; ordinary cars and hatchbacks cannot be treated as campervans.
Off-site visitors usually stay in Mangawhai, Waipu, Ruakākā or surrounding coastal settlements. Mangawhai Village and Mangawhai Heads offer the broadest nearby collection of cafés, pubs, takeaways, grocery shopping, holiday parks, motels and holiday homes. Kaiwaka is useful for fuel, groceries and basic road-trip supplies. Summer accommodation fills early, and any off-site booking should be paired with a confirmed shuttle, sober driver or pre-booked taxi.
Eat before boarding late transport and allow time for queues at gates, bars and food stalls. Festival food is convenient but can cost more than town takeaway options. Late-night scheduled public transport is not a realistic fallback in this rural area; the festival shuttle, pre-arranged taxi or a sober driver should be considered part of the booking rather than an afterthought.
What Makes This Venue Special
Worsfold Farm’s character comes from the contrast between quiet countryside and a temporary, high-production bass festival. Instead of adapting music to a permanent building, organisers build an entire venue into the Northland landscape. The Jungle Stage has become its defining visual and musical landmark, while camping turns the New Year programme into a communal destination rather than a single concert visit.
The programming has also helped normalise major drum-and-bass, jungle and grime bills in Aotearoa. Repeat appearances by artists such as Andy C, The Upbeats, State of Mind, Pendulum, Goldie, Lee Mvtthews and Tali create continuity, while bookings including Stormzy, Post Malone, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Dizzee Rascal, Joey Bada$$, Skepta and Home Brew have broadened the festival beyond a narrowly defined dance line-up.
Its local impact is significant. Around 11,000 people attended the 2022/23 edition, creating work for contractors, transport operators, vendors, accommodation providers and community groups. Council planning material recognises the festival’s social, economic and cultural benefits while also acknowledging effects including noise, heavy traffic and pressure on rural roads. The permanent resource consent for up to three large events annually provides greater certainty while retaining conditions and review mechanisms.
Visitor Tips and Information
This is an all-weather outdoor event. Pack sunscreen, a hat, warm layers, a waterproof jacket and sturdy closed footwear; gumboots can be invaluable after prolonged rain. The organiser does not cancel simply because conditions are wet, although safety issues can force relocation or other changes, as occurred with Welcome to the Jungle in March 2026.
Do not bring alcohol, glass, fireworks, weapons, lasers, drones, animals, barbecues, cooking equipment, mallets or hammers. Crowd surfing, stage diving, climbing and aggressive dancing may lead to removal. Harassment, racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism and threatening conduct are expressly prohibited. Staff, security, police and medical personnel are present during major events.
The United States’ ADA does not apply in New Zealand, and no sufficiently detailed public accessibility guide has been verified for this farm. Do not assume that every paddock, campground or viewing area is step-free. Grass, slopes, temporary paths and wet ground can present substantial mobility barriers. Visitors who need accessible parking, toilets, camping or viewing arrangements should have those requirements confirmed before committing to the trip.
Recent visitor discussion and local reporting commonly praise the atmosphere, bass-focused line-ups and overall organisation. Recurring difficulties include traffic delays, wet or muddy ground, the cost of food and the physical demands of a multi-day camping festival. In 2022, contractors had to strengthen internal roads after months of rain, illustrating why footwear, patience and a well-planned arrival matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 420 Settlement Road the same venue as Northern Bass?
Yes. Event archives use 420 Settlement Road for Worsfold Farm and the Northern Bass festival grounds. Current official information normally uses 433 Settlement Road, including for the main taxi and drop-off gate. Treat 420 as the established listing address, but use the gate and approach route printed on your current event information.
Is the venue in Mangawhai or Kaiwaka?
The property is officially addressed in Kaiwaka, within the Kaipara District and Northland Region. It is frequently marketed as Mangawhai because that coastal town is the best-known nearby destination and supplies accommodation, hospitality and shuttle stops. It should not be described as an Auckland venue, although many Auckland-based listings include it because much of the audience travels north from the city.
What events are usually held at the farm?
Northern Bass is the main recurring event, normally staged over New Year. Welcome to the Jungle has also used the farm for a one-night, Jungle Stage-focused programme. A 2025 consent permits up to three large events per calendar year, but the public calendar remains selective rather than weekly or monthly. Private farm activity is separate from public festival operations.
What is the capacity of 420 Settlement Road?
There is no fixed building capacity because the farm is reconfigured for each event. Attendance has ranged from about 5,500–6,000 in earlier editions to approximately 11,000 for the 2022/23 festival. The streamlined 2025/26 event was deliberately capped at 6,000. The authorised figure for any future edition depends on its consented site and safety plan.
Are there seats at Northern Bass?
No conventional reserved seating is provided. The performance fields are predominantly general-admission standing areas, with informal rest and hospitality spaces elsewhere on site. Premium or lounge tickets do not necessarily include a reserved chair or stage-facing seat. People who cannot stand for prolonged periods should confirm what accessible or resting facilities will be provided for their particular edition.
How much do tickets normally cost?
Prices vary by event, release and package. Previous one-night Jungle events have been listed from roughly NZ$100 to NZ$170 before some fees. Multi-day Northern Bass passes have appeared in an approximate NZ$200–$470 range. Camping, campervan space, shuttles, premium areas and pre-pitched accommodation usually cost extra, so compare the complete trip price rather than admission alone. ticketfairy.com
Can I buy a ticket at the gate?
Do not plan on gate availability. Major Northern Bass editions commonly sell out, and the 2025 event generated a waiting list numbering in the thousands. If limited door sales are authorised, organisers announce them for that event. Buying in advance also gives you time to secure camping and transport, which may sell out independently of festival admission.
Does the name on my ticket have to match my ID?
Yes. Northern Bass terms require named tickets to match the valid photo identification presented at entry. If you buy from another person, the transfer must be completed through the event’s approved resale or name-change process. Informal screenshots, duplicated codes and tickets traded through unauthorised marketplaces may be rejected without admission or refund.
Is Northern Bass restricted to people aged 18 and over?
Yes. Northern Bass and Welcome to the Jungle are strictly R18 because alcohol is sold and licensed on site. There is no parent or guardian exception. Bring one of the specifically accepted current photo IDs; photographs, expired documents and unsupported student cards should not be relied upon. A valid ticket without acceptable identification is insufficient for entry.
Is parking free?
On-site parking has been free for both campers and day-ticket holders at recent Northern Bass editions. It is temporary paddock parking rather than a sealed car park. Follow marshals, avoid soft ground and never park on Settlement Road. Roadside parking is prohibited and vehicles may be towed. A campervan pass is required if a vehicle is being used for accommodation.
Can I sleep in my car?
No. Sleeping in cars, vans or other vehicles in the ordinary car park is prohibited. Accommodation vehicles must enter the designated campervan area with the correct pass and comply with published size limits. Once positioned, campervans cannot be moved during the event. Passengers may also need individual camping credentials in addition to the vehicle pass.
Are there shuttles from Mangawhai?
Yes, major editions normally provide frequent festival shuttles from Mangawhai Heads and Mangawhai Village. Recent schedules have operated every 15–30 minutes during advertised periods, with inbound services through the day and return trips late at night. Each passenger needs the correct transport ticket, and times may change with traffic, weather and the event programme.
Can I bring my own alcohol or food?
Outside alcohol is prohibited throughout the festival, including camping and parking areas, and security can confiscate it. Glass and cooking equipment are also banned. Ordinary sealed snacks and camping food may be permitted subject to the event’s current rules, but visitors should choose non-glass packaging and avoid anything requiring a barbecue, flame or cooking appliance.
Are showers and flushing toilets available?
Large Northern Bass editions provide toilets and showers, although the type and location vary between general camping, premium camping and the festival arena. Bass Hotel packages advertise exclusive showers and flushing toilets. A smaller one-night event may offer fewer facilities; Welcome to the Jungle 2021, for example, provided toilets but no campervans or camping showers.
What happens if it rains?
Northern Bass is promoted as an all-weather event and tickets are not normally refunded simply because conditions are wet. Performances, paths or campsite operations may be adjusted for safety. Prolonged rain can create deep mud and affect internal roads. Bring waterproof clothing and robust footwear, and allow additional time for parking, entry and departure.
Is the festival wheelchair accessible?
No comprehensive current accessibility specification has been publicly verified, so it would be unsafe to promise full wheelchair access. The property includes grass, slopes, temporary tracks and paddocks that can deteriorate in rain. Visitors needing accessible parking, toilets, camping or viewing should confirm the arrangements applying to their event, as facilities and pathways may change with each site plan.
When should I arrive?
Day visitors should allow substantially more time than the normal road journey requires, particularly on the first afternoon and New Year’s Eve. Campers should arrive within their designated gate window while there is daylight whenever possible. Early arrival reduces pressure from traffic controls, ticket checks and tent setup, and gives you time to locate water, toilets and your return-transport point.
What should I wear?
There is no formal dress code, but practical festival clothing is essential. Choose closed footwear with grip, breathable daytime layers, something warm for the early morning and a waterproof outer layer. Sunscreen and a hat are important in exposed paddocks. Gang patches and gang-affiliated clothing are prohibited, as are outfits or accessories that security considers dangerous.
