Rotorua's ready to turn green for St Patrick's Day shenanigans with big crowds expected for the annual celebration of all things Irish.
However local police are urging revellers to plan ahead to avoid trouble.
Rotorua's only Irish-themed bar, Hennessy's Irish Bar on Tutanekai St, has stocked up on Ireland's favourite tipple - Guinness - and is expecting a busy day tomorrow, as are other bars around the city.
Hennessy's operations manager Sue Burnett said the pub would normally order in 20 kegs of Guinness, but 33 arrived this week.
"We are expecting to be up about 30 per cent on last year due to having such a great summer season and because it's also on a Friday.
"It's our first Paddy's Day in our newly renovated bar, so we're ready for some fun," she said.
Hennessy's Irish Bar staff member Sarah Lythgoe, who is from Ireland, is ready to go for St Patrick's Day. Photo/Ben Fraser
Hennessy's and Our Backyard on Eruera St will be open for breakfast at 8am, and are both able to stay open until 3am on Saturday and will have live bands playing throughout the night.
Ms Burnett said the Rotorua Highland Pipe Band would make its traditional appearance around 7pm and from 8pm music will be provided by Brendon Hopping and the Hammerheads, "who have plenty of energy and are great entertainers".
Our Backyard owner Richard Hazeldine said local band Contraband would play and encouraged people to get down early before the bar was full.
"It's one of those days everyone is a little bit Irish. We've had a fair amount of interest from locals so we think it will be great day."
Rotorua police area prevention manager, Inspector Stuart Nightingale, said staff would be patrolling bars in the city making sure everyone was safe.
"St Patrick's Day traditionally presents an opportunity for like-minded people to get together and celebrate, usually in an alcohol-fuelled situation.
"It can also present an opportunity for increased disorder, violence and alcohol-related offending due to excessive consumption and significant lack of judgment."
He said people should plan their evening and make sure they could get home safely, or have a designated driver.
"Make sure you or your friends are not going to fall prey to any street disorder or violence, offenders often target those who present a vulnerable target.
"Pace yourself and make sure you are eating some good food as well. Bear in mind that if you drink a lot over the evening you will probably still have a high blood alcohol level when you wake up in the morning, so please, be smart and be careful," he said.
"While our licensees are on top of their game we encourage them to continue to look out for their patrons to make sure our locals and visitors are safe and not to hesitate to call us if there are any issues."
