Sun shines on gatherers
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The sun was shining this morning for thousands of New Year revellers making their way to the Cobb Valley in Golden Bay for the Gathering dance party.
However the good weather is not expected to last and gatherers should prepare for wet weather, Nelson weather forecaster John Mathieson said.
A strong, moist, humid northwesterly would come in for the last few hours of the three-day party, bringing rain.
"Today, tonight and tomorrow morning will have the best weather and then from Wednesday onwards it's all downhill,'' he said.
Heavy falls and strong winds were expected on Thursday, but it was not expected to be cold, he said.
The gates opened yesterday at 11am and hundreds of people arrived and set up tents, but the bulk of the expected 10,000 would turn up today, media liaison officer Nicolle Smith said.
There were no cancellations among the 14 international and 160 New Zealand acts. Gate sales were not available and the closest ticket outlet was the River Inn in Takaka.
Manager Erin Galland said that over the weekend there had been a rush on tickets. A lot of overseas backpackers were buying them, she said.
Stallholders Finn Croucher and Clare Havell arrived at the site on Saturday and were looking forward to their first Gathering.
As well as operating a vegetarian food stall the pair also came to dance. "It's the most important thing,'' Clare said.
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Caption: Photo MARION VAN DIJK 20065