There are many ways to make this New Year memorable in New Zealand. Summer arrives with the start of the New Year, which can be a welcome change for tourists visiting from the northern hemisphere of the world. TeaNew Year’s Eve is obviously a reason for big celebrations in the city where you can feel the liveliness in the air and enjoy the enthusiasm of other people. If you prefer a different approach, there are also options for you to enjoy a more intimate but once-in-a-lifetime experience by celebrating the New Year with your favorite travel buddies.
10 things to do in New Zealand on New Year’s Eve
Are you amazed by all the diverse festivals, cruises and celebrations in the city? Fear not, we’ve rounded up the 10 best New Year’s Eve celebrations in and around New Zealand that you must include on your list this year.
1. Rhythm and Vines
The first city in the world to welcome the New Year, being close to the International Date Line, is also hosting the world’s first music festival to welcome the New Year. This renowned 3-day camping and musical event amidst the vineyards on the East Cape of the North Island will leave you in the throes of ecstatic joy. But be warned, if you choose to attend, you’ll need to plan in advance, as accommodations and camping sites fill up quickly.
Where: Waiohika Estate Vineyard, Gisborne
ticket price: $270 + booking fee
When: 29-31 December
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2. Tal and Alps
The South Island counterpart to Rhythm and Wine, you’ll have an equally great time at Rhythm and Alps, if not more. One of the most beautiful places for guests to celebrate New Year in the entire country, it definitely wins as a major tourist attraction every year for that time. This 2 day annual camping and music festival is a must for anyone around the South Isles. Filled with a great line-up of bands and DJs, keep energy drinks handy as you’ll get tired moving to the rhythm all night long.
Where: Cardrona Valley, between Wanaka and Queenstown
ticket price: $115 + booking fee
When: 30-31 December
3. Oakland NYE Celebration
As New Zealand’s most popular city, the city of Auckland is guaranteed to have a lively atmosphere for anyone wishing to celebrate their New Year’s Eve. If you’re not headed towards concerts, make sure you’re in a good spot on the water, or across the water from Devonport, or on Mount Eden, as the famous Sky Tower looks spectacular and the fireworks seen in the background will give you Will dazzle. from all over the world. Also, while you’re in Auckland, new music festival Wondergarden will be hitting the road for its third edition in 2019, so be sure to check it out if you want.
Where: Auckland city and surroundings
When: 31st December from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM
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4. Queenstown NYE Celebration
In the list of best New Year’s Eve celebrations for all to enjoy, this one cannot be missed. Being the party capital of New Zealand, one thing is guaranteed for guests that all the bars in the city are going to throw the biggest parties of the year on this date. Additionally, you can choose to head to the lakeside to witness the beautiful festivities, live music, entertainment and fireworks display, which will be one of the most beautiful experiences of your life.
Where: Earnslaw Park, Queenstown
When: On December 31st from 7:30 pm to 1 am
5. Wellington NYE Celebration
The first capital in the world to see the New Year offers visitors a change of pace. The family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at Frank Kitts Park Lagoon is where you can see music, movies, and fireworks. The festivities begin at 8 pm with live music and a fireworks display at 9:45 pm and then again at midnight. In artistic style, one can enjoy watching iconic local movies or tuning their ears to the soundtrack of the Wellington Orchestra during the fireworks countdown.
Where: Frank Kitts Park, Wellington
When: 31st December from 8 pm to 1 am
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6. Blue Duck Station
For an unconventional and more hands-on experience, you can’t beat the Blue Duck Station as it’s so off the beaten track and away from all the music festivals and bar crawls. This is an ideal experience for nature lovers and those who want a somewhat low-key, but incredibly memorable experience. To start things off, a communal meal is organized followed by a bonfire, after which you can start the party under the clear night sky and stars, with the station staff who are always active and lively. Are. Be sure to stock up on snacks and beverages as a trip to the nearest convenience store to stock up will rob you of the festivities.
Where: 4265 Oio Road, Retaruk 3990, New Zealand
When: 31st December
7. Abel Tasman
With stunning beaches and plenty of sunshine, Abel Tasman can be a great place to start the new year. Enjoy the festivities with your group on the big night – usually with some sort of masquerade party – then head to Abel Tasman Park the next day. Depending on how active you’re feeling, you can additionally choose between cannonballing, hiking, kayaking, sailing or skydiving and have the time of your life in one of New Zealand’s most stunning locations .
Where: South Island 7183, New Zealand
When: 31st December
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8. Northern Bass
Hosting some of New Zealand’s biggest bands at this time of year, this 3-day camping festival is held in the subtropical region of New Zealand’s Northern Territory. Located an hour north of Auckland, this spot also has a sandy beach lagoon and a beach volleyball court. An exciting line up of bands and transport is available from Auckland, day tickets and camping tickets must be booked in advance.
Where: Mangawhai, north of Auckland
ticket price: $169 + booking fee
When: 29 to 31 December
9. Paihia, Bay of Islands
There’s something special about the small town of Paihia in the Bay of Islands, not far from the city centre, and lots of riders head there for New Years before setting up camp towards the rest of the main circuit. Relaxation options include lying on the beach, or catching a cruise to the Bay of Islands. You can also catch a ferry to Russell. Additionally, Paihia also features the best NYE fireworks display, which can be seen from all beaches in Paihia, Russell, Waitangi and the inner bay. Also, if you want to catch the inland bus to Auckland the next day, it doesn’t leave before noon, so consider a New Year’s skydive while you’re there.
Where: Paihia, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
When: 30 to 31 December
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10. Highlife New Year’s Eve Experience
Cross the high road as you set up camp at Waiheke Island in Auckland. If you’re anywhere near the area, head to the Waiheke Islands, and ring in the New Year with fireworks, an exciting DJ night, and views from Stoneyridge Winery. Don’t worry about travelling, as there will be special ferries running to and from Auckland city throughout the night.
Where: Stoneyridge Vineyard, Auckland
When: 2:00 pm to 2:00 am, December 31
ticket price: $135 + booking fee
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If you plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Zealand, we have given you 10 reasons above why it is the right decision for you. Pack your bags, put on your travel attire and get ready for the big day, because it’s going to be grand, it’s going to be fabulous, and it’s going to be memorable! Plan a trip to New Zealand immediately.
