The new-look amphitheatre at Te Puna Quarry Park is set to open on December 13.

Carols at the Quarry organiser Beth Bowden says its great seeing the new seating with heaps of room for picnics.

She says comfortable sightlines will make for a magical audience experience in the open air – with a view all the way out to Mauao.

Beth is encouraging people to turn out for another of Te Puna's now-famous Carol concerts, one that is '…bigger, brighter, and better than ever."

'We've kept the simple traditionalism of the community sing-along with well-known Carols, led by the Te Puna Quarry Choir.

"But this year we've been able to add the excitement of a seven-piece band, Emmaus, a special spot for the Mural Town Singers, and – returning by special request – singers from the Te Puna School. The whole evening will be MC'd by Tommy Kapai Wilson.”

The new seating terraces, designed by Wendy Artus and Steve Garvey offer comfortable level surfaces for picnickers at the lower levels and room for camp chairs towards the top.

Solar lighting has been installed to allow safe pathways up and down the hillside.

'There's lots of room for people to settle, see and hear the performance,” says Beth.

'But the parking space remains the same. That's why we're charging a modest $20 per vehicle – to encourage car-pooling. Even a hired 12-seater shuttle van will cost only $20, so – get organised, people.”

Buses are also an option.

'I know of two buses that have been organised to bring people to and from the Quarry on the night.” Beth says that traffic planning is a major consideration for events up at this particular venue.

'We really need to use as few vehicles as possible, and to manage their safe entry to SH2 at the end of the concert. There will be signage and personnel at critical points, but we also need patience and co-operation so as not to put a crimp into anyone's Christmas.”

There will be a short formal opening of the terraces starting at 6.30, and the singing will begin at about 7.15 pm.

Tickets for car spaces can be booked via Eventfinda, but gate sales are also expected. Wet weather day is Saturday 14 December and will be advised on both the Te Puna Quarry website and its Facebook page.