There are several ways to get a memorable New Year in New Zealand. The summer accompanies the onset of the New Year, which can be a welcome change for tourists visiting from the globe’s Northern Hemisphere.New Year’s Eve is a cause for a massive celebration in the city, where you can feel the vibrancy of the air and feed off of other people’s excitement. If you prefer a different approach, there are also options for you to enjoy a more intimate but once-in-a-lifetime experience while celebrating the New Year with your favourite travel buddies.
10 Things To Do On New Year In New Zealand
Are you dazed by all the varied festivals, cruises and celebrations around the city? Fear not, we have comprised 10 of the best New Year’s Eve celebration in and around New Zealand that you must add to your bucket list this year.
1. Rhythm and Vines
The world’s first city to welcome the New Year, thanks to its proximity to the International Date Line, has also been hosting what is the first music festival in the world to welcome the New Year. This 3-day legendary camping and musical extravaganza amongst the vineyards on the North Island’s East Cape will overwhelm you with delightful pleasure. But beware, if you choose to attend this one, you must plan early on, because accommodations and campsites tend to fill up early.
Where: Waiohika Estate Vineyard, Gisborne
When: 29th-31st December
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2. Rhythm and Alps
The South Island counterpart to the Rhythm and Vines, you’ll have an equally gala time at the Rhythm and Alps, if not more. Subjecting guests to one of the most scenic places to spend New Year’s in the entire country, this one wins as a major tourist attraction every year for the time. This 2-day annual camping and musical festival is necessary for anyone near the South Islands. Packed with an awesome line of bands and DJs; keep the energy drinks handy as you’ll be drained, moving to the rhythm all night.
Where: Cardrona Valley, between Wanaka & Queenstown
When: 30th-31st December
3. Auckland NYE Celebrations
As the most popular city in New Zealand, a vibrant atmosphere is guaranteed for everyone wishing to celebrate their New Year’s Eve in Auckland. If your route is not towards the music festivals, make sure you occupy a good spot on the water, or across the water from Devonport or on Mt. Eden, as the famous Sky Tower looks spectacular and will dazzle you against its backdrop of fireworks viewed worldwide. Also, while you’re in Auckland, the new music festival, Wondergarden, will roar for its 3rd edition in 2019, so visit this one if you want.
Where: Auckland City and Surroundings
When: 8:00 p.m. to 1 a.m. on 31st December
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4. Queenstown NYE Celebrations
This one cannot be given a miss in a list featuring the best New Year’s Eve celebrations for all to enjoy. Being New Zealand’s party capital, one thing guaranteed for the guests is that all the bars around town will throw the biggest parties of the year on this date. Additionally, you can head down to the lakefront to view the beautiful festivities, live music, entertainment, and fireworks display, which is one of the most beautiful experiences of your life.
Where: Earnslaw Park, Queenstown
When: 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on 31st December
5. Wellington NYE Celebrations
The first capital to see the New Year in the world offers a change of pace to visitors. The family-friendly New Year’s Eve festival at Frank Kitts Park Lagoon is where you can catch music, films, and fireworks. The celebrations start at 8 p.m. with live music and a fireworks display at 9:45 p.m., followed again at midnight. In an artsy style, one can also settle down to watch iconic local movies or fine-tune their ears to the soundtrack of the Wellington Orchestra during the countdown to the fireworks.
Where: Frank Kitts Park, Wellington
When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on 31st December
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6. Blue Duck Station
For an unconventional and more down-to-earth experience, you can’t beat Blue Duck Station for being way off the beaten track and different from all the music festivities and bar crawls. It is an ideal experience for nature lovers and those wanting a more low-key but incredibly memorable experience. To get things started, a group meal is organised, followed by a bonfire, after which you can get the party started under the clear night sky and the stars with the station crew, who are always kicking and lively. Make sure to stock up on snacks and drinks, as a trip to stock up from the nearest convenience store would make you miss the celebrations themselves.
Where: 4265 Oio Rd, Retaruke 3990, New Zealand
When: 31st December
7. Abel Tasman
With stunning beaches and much sunshine, Abel Tasman could be a fantastic place to kick off the New Year. Relish the festivities with your cluster on the big night – typically with some variety of masquerade costume party – then head out into Abel Tasman Park the following day. Depending on how active you’re feeling, you can additionally choose between cannoning, hiking, kayaking, sailing, or skydiving, and you can have the time of your life in one of New Zealand’s most stunning spots.
Where: South Island 7183, New Zealand
When: 31st December
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8. Northern Bass
Playing host to some of New Zealand’s biggest bands annually this time of the year, this 3-day camping festival is set in the subtropical pleasures of New Zealand’s northland. Situated an hour north of Auckland, the location has a sandy beach lagoon and a beach volleyball court. An exciting line up of bands and transport being available from Auckland, day tickets and camping tickets have to be booked early on.
Where: Mangawhai, north of Auckland
When: 29th to 31st December
9. Paihia, Bay of Islands
Far away from the city centre, there’s something special about the little town of Paihia in the Bay of Islands, and many travellers head up there for the New Year before setting camp towards the rest of the primary circuit. Options for relaxation include lying low on the beach or catching a cruise over the island of the Bay. You can also catch a ferry over to the Russell. Additionally, Paihia features one of the best NYE fireworks for display, seen from Paihia, Russell, Waitangi, and all the beaches lining the inner Bay. Also, if you’re looking to catch the bus back inland to Auckland the next day, it doesn’t leave till early afternoon, so consider a New Year’s skydive while you’re at it.
Where: Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
When: 30th to 31st December
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10. Highlife New Year’s Eve Experience
Traverse the high road as you set camp on Waiheke Island in Auckland. If you’re near the area, head to Waiheke Islands and welcome the New Year with fireworks, a thrilling DJ Night and views from Stonyridge Winery. Don’t worry about travel; there will be special ferries from Auckland City all night.
Where: Stonyridge Vineyard, Auckland
When: 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., 31st December
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If you have planned on celebrating New Year’s Eve in New Zealand, we have given you 10 reasons above why it is the correct decision. Pack your bags, put on your travelling cloak, and get set for the big day because it will be grand, spectacular, and memorable! Plan a trip to New Zealand right away.
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