Planning on celebrating New Year's Eve in New Zealand? Here are 8 of the best New Zealand New Year's Eve celebrations that you MUST add to your bucket list this year!
1. Rhythm and Vines
5 Stages, 70 Local & International Artists surrounded by vineyards and drumroll... the first place in the WORLD to see the SUNRISE! You can buy combined tickets to this Festival to make the most of Gisborne’s New Year’s festivities. Always a huge lineup, camp onsite!
When? 29th - 31st December
Where? Waiohika Estate Vineyard, Gisborne
Tickets: here
2. Queenstown NYE Celebrations
New Zealand's party capital is the ultimate place to celebrate New Year's Eve! Not only will there be Bar Crawls and events at most of the town's buzzing bars, but head on down to the lakefront to catch the festivities, live music, entertainment and fireworks display in one of New Zealand's most beautiful settings!
When? 31st December
Where? Earnslaw Park, Queenstown
More info: here
3. Rhythm & Alps
So you’re heading to New Zealand’s South Island? Think Big Mountains & beautiful lakes! This is the only 2 day camping festival held in the South Island and is an absolute must! Set in the stunning scenery of Cardrona Lakes (about halfway between Queenstown and Wanaka),
When? 30th – 31st December
Where? Cardrona Valley, between Wanaka & Queenstown
Tickets: here
4. Auckland NYE Celebrations
If you cannot afford one of the many amazing music festivals, Auckland City plays host to the best fireworks display in the country, and the event is free! The fireworks display takes place from Auckland's Sky Tower and overlooking Waitemata Harbour, not to mention, Auckland is one of the first cities in the world to celebrate the New Year! There are also a number of harbour party cruises that throw a huge NYE party with great views of the fireworks over the harbour, as well as bar crawls and of course many bars that will be throwing an epic party! Some of the best spots to watch the fireworks are: Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour, or take a ferry over to Devonport to get some great views of the Harbour Bridge and Auckland CBD.
When? 31st December
Where? Auckland city and surrounds
To do something a bit different why not try out this:
Auckland NYE camping festival
With a great vibe you can imagine on lush grounds just 45 minutes from Auckland. Perfect for backpackers to get away from town for a while... you might also be able to get yourself a volunteering job there as well!
More info: https://www.aum.co.nz/
5. Wellington NYE Celebrations
Head on down to the harbour to catch the music, films and fireworks at Frank Kitts Park. The celebrations kick off at 8pm with live music and a fireworks display at 9:45pm and then again at midnight. Cuba Street and Courtney Place will be bustling with New Year's Eve celebrations and New Zealand's capital of cool will not be short of festivities!
Where? Frank Kitts Park, Wellington
When? 31st December
6. Northern Bass
Set in the sub tropical pleasures of New Zealand’s northland – this 3 day camping festival celebrates all things bass – playing host to some of New Zealand's biggest bands! The location is one hour north of Auckland and has a sandy beach lagoon and a beach volleyball court. Transport is available to and from Auckland and day tickets and camping tickets are available throigh the website.
When? 29th - 31st December
Where? Mangawhai, north of Auckland
Tickets: here
7. Reggae by the River
New Zealand's Lake Taupo will play host to a huge night of music this New Year's Eve. The event is set to be huge and is expected to draw festival heads from across the central north island.
When? 31st December
Where? Riverside Park & Unison Amphitheatre, Redoubt Street, Taupo
Tickets: here
8. Highlife NYE Experience
Waiheke Island, Auckland recently made Lonely Planets Top Regions to visit list and there is no doubt that it is a stunning location to bring in the New Year! If you are in Auckland on New Year’s Eve head over to Waiheke Island and bring in the New Year with Fireworks, DJs and views at Stonyridge Winery. There are special ferries and buses running to and from Auckland city all night long.
When? 31st December
Where? Stonyridge Vineyard, Auckland
Like this article? Check out these 10 NZ Music Festivals to add to your bucket list!
Main image: By Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
