New Year In New Zealand: 10 Experiences To End The Year On A Good Note!

There are several ways to get yourself a memorable one this New Years at New Zealand. The summer accompanies the onset of the New Year, which can be a welcome change for tourists visiting from the Northern Hemisphere of the globe. The New Year’s eve is obviously a cause for huge celebration in the city where you can feel the vibrancy in 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 In New Zealand On New Year’s Eve

Dazed on 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

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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 make you overwhelmed in 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
Ticket price: $270 + booking fees
When: 29th-31st December

Must Read: Paragliding In New Zealand: 5 Best Places That Let You Soar High!

2. Rhythm and Alps

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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 at in the entire country, this one definitely wins as a major tourist attraction every year for the time. This 2 day annual camping and musical festival is an absolute must for anyone in the vicinity of the South Islands. Packed with an awesome line – up of bands and DJ’s, keep the energy drinks handy as you’re going to be drained moving to the rhythm all night.
Where: Cardrona Valley, between Wanaka & Queenstown
Ticket price: $115 + booking fees
When: 30th-31st December

3. Auckland NYE Celebrations

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As the most popular city in New Zealand, a vibrant atmosphere is guaranteed for all those who wish to celebrate their New Year’s Eve in the city of 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 bedazzle you against its backdrop of fireworks viewed from all across the world. Also, while you’re in Auckland, the new music festival Wondergarden will roar for its 3rd edition in 2019, so give this one a visit if you want.

Where: Auckland City and Surroundings
When: 8:00 p.m. to 1 a.m. on 31st December

Suggested Read: 10 Best Temples In New Zealand For Witnessing The Country’s Vibrant Culture

4. Queenstown NYE Celebrations

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In a list featuring the best New Year’s Eve celebrations for all to enjoy, this one cannot be given a miss. Being New Zealand’s party capital, one thing that is guaranteed for the guests is that all the bars around town are going to throw the biggest parties of the year on this date. Additionally, you can choose to head down the lakefront to catch a view of the beautiful festivities, live music, entertainment and display of fireworks in what is to be 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

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The first capital to see the New Year in the world offers a change of pace to the visitors. The family friendly New Year’s Eve festival at Frank Kitts Park Lagoon is where you can catch the 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

Suggested Read: 15 Haunted Places In New Zealand That’ll Give You Shivers

6. Blue Duck Station

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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 for those who want a somewhat 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 itself.

Where: 4265 Oio Rd, Retaruke 3990, New Zealand
When: 31st December

7. Abel Tasman

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With stunning beaches and much sunshine, Abel Tasman could be a fantastic place for kicking off the New Year. Relish the festivities along with your cluster on the big night – typically with some variety of masquerade costume party – then head out into the 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 having the time of your life in one of New Zealand’s most stunning spots.

Where: South Island 7183, New Zealand
When: 31st December

Suggested Read: 15 Lakes In New Zealand That’ll Make You Believe In Heaven

8. Northern Bass

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Playing host to some of New Zealand’s biggest band 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 also 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
Ticket price: $169 + booking fee
When: 29th to 31st December

9. Paihia, Bay of Islands

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Far away from the city centre, there’s something special about the little town of Paihia in the Bay of Islands, and a lot of travellers head up there for the New Year before setting camp towards the rest of the main 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 also features one of the best NYE fireworks for display, which can be glimpsed from Paihia, Russell, Waitangi and all of 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

Suggested Read: 10 Adventurous Trails Where You Can Go Hiking In New Zealand

10. Highlife New Year’s Eve Experience

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Traverse the high road, as you set camp in Waiheke Island in Auckland. If you’re anywhere in vicinity of the area, head over to Waiheke Islands, and welcome the New Year over with fireworks, a thrilling DJ Night and views from Stonyridge Winery. Don’t worry about travel, because there will be special ferries to and fro from Auckland City all night long.

Where: Stonyridge Vineyard, Auckland
When: 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., 31st December
Ticket price: $135 + booking fee

Further Read: 14 Scrumptious New Zealand Cuisine One Must Devour On Their Trip!

If you have planned on celebrating New Year’s Eve in New Zealand, then we have given you 10 reasons above on why it is the correct decision for you. Pack your bags, put on your travelling cloak, and get set for the big day, because it’s going to be grand, it’s going to be spectacular, and it’s going to be memorable! Plan a trip to New Zealand right away.

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