The Pacific islands Kiribati, Samoa, and Tonga are the first ones to usher in the New Year. This makes New Zealand the fourth country to celebrate it, with Auckland being the first major city to welcome 2021. This cool fact just makes New Zealand New Year traditions all the more fun! Whether you like fancy views of the city lights, fireworks, carnivals, or epic parties, you’ll never run out of things to do during the New Year in NZ!
Say goodbye to 2020, and welcome 2021 with a bang! Check out some of the best celebrations to kick off the New Year in New Zealand.
Auckland NYE celebration hosts a variety of events to match your lifestyle. Attend different parties such as Wondergarden, Aum New Year’s Eve Festival, Britomart Block Party, and many more! Plus, don’t miss out on the bar crawling experience in Downtown. Each bar offers a different flair of celebration, which is surely epic for the New Year!
If you want to see the best views of fireworks in Auckland, skip the city centre and take the ferry on Denverport. See the best views of the fireworks over the city lights with the Harbour Bridge and the Auckland skyline.
Another destination you can see the best fireworks in New Zealand is in Wellington. The city’s NYE celebrations tend to be just as festive, with some events offering a more chill and laid back experience. Head on over to Frank Kitts to see the best views of the fireworks from 9 PM to midnight. Take in all this view while enjoying great film and music.
After this, you can head on over to Cuba Street and Courtney Place to eat your heart out! Best of all, the entrance fees for these events are free! Just feel the summer breeze and enjoy the festive celebrations with friends and family.
Want an ultimate welcome for the New Year? Attend Rhythm and Vines! The three-day music festival is set among the beautiful vines of Waiohika Estate, Gisborne. If you want to see the world’s first sunrise in the New Year while jamming to your favourite tunes, time to celebrate Rhythm and Vines.
Planning to go to Gisborne for the ultimate New Year adventure? Make sure to book accommodations or campsites as early as now. It’s one of the most popular festivals in the country, so expect a long queue onsite.
If you don’t want to celebrate the New Year in the vines, celebrate it ing the mountains! Rhythm and Alps hosts their two-day music festival in one of the most scenic places in New Zealand. Go crazy with your friends and loved ones, and see Cardona Lakes all around you — what a treat for the New Year, right?
Not though, that tickets and accommodations run out fast! If you’re planning to attend this music festival, make sure to book your reservations now. Don’t forget to bring energy drinks too! Trust us, you’ll need it! Lest you get drained with all the moving and merrymaking.
The music never stops in Highlife NYE! Waiheke Island — just a short drive away from Auckland City — offers the ultimate party experience for the New Year! They host international and local live acts, performers, dancers, and DJs! Plus, get to eat the best craft beverages and gourmet food with thousands of New Zealanders.
You don’t have to worry about your transportation, as special ferries and buses are running to and from Auckland City all night long! Make sure to snag a ticket as soon as they go on sale because they’re known to sell very fast every year.
Just a few skips away from the city is a great treat for the ears! Set in the sub-tropical terrain of New Zealand, Northern Bass is a boost of drum and bass, grime, hip hop, boom bap, and more! The three-day-long event is attended by some of the best local acts in the music industry. This coming year is the 10th anniversary of Northern Bass.
If you want the laid back summer feel but want the rock of the New Year, this event is for you! Aside from good music, they also have awesome food selections and clean amenities. Do note that the event is R18. Your kids, nieces, or nephews will just have to wait!
Celebrate the New Year with your children! Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty hosts an annual carnival where kids and kids at heart can enjoy different rides, including Dodgem Cars, Hurricane, Ferris Wheel, Extreme Turbo Boost, Hot Dogs, Candy Floss, and much more! It has been providing fun for families for over 40 years, making it a tradition for the New Year.
The best part is, there’s no entrance fee! Simply pay for the rides and games you want to try. Aside from rides, there’s over 1,000 LED lights to illuminate the carnival. Do note that rides and opening hours may vary depending on the weather.
No matter how you like to celebrate the New Year, don’t forget to wish your family, friends, and loved ones a Happy New Year! The parties and sparkles are just bonuses. The most important thing is starting the New Year with love and appreciation for one another.
Make sure your mobile plan is topped up for whenever you send text messages, calls, or chats! Get the best mobile plan for you and start the New Year with love.