You know what they say—the way you spend your New Year’s Eve is how you’ll spend the rest of the year. While the truth behind this may be a bit questionable, there’s no denying that taking some time off to ring in the new year with good vibes, friends, and whānau (family) sets a positive tone for the months to follow.
Whether it’s partaking in a three-day music festival or simply gathering with your loved ones to watch the midnight fireworks, New Year celebrations in New Zealand offer a delightful smorgasbord of experiences and the perfect way to start a new chapter. So take your pick and kick off the new year in style.
Rhythm & Vines
The holy grail of New Year’s Festivals in New Zealand—think of it almost as a rite of passage. Rhythm & Vines is an epic three-day festival in Gisborne (with early access to on-site campers) that brings together international visitors and touring artists. With three main stages, plus a number of smaller stages featuring an epic line-up of artists, all set against the backdrop of a vineyard, you’ll be dancing your way into the New Year under the stars and be the very first in the world to welcome the new year’s sunrise.
Date: 29 to 31 December (28 December for on-site campers only)
Location: Waiohika Estate, Gisborne
Rhythm & Alps
The South Island sister festival of Rhythm & Vines, this one is held In the beautiful Cardrona Valley. Surrounded by mountains and streams, Rhythm & Alps is the perfect way to spend a couple of days immersing yourself in some of the best music and performances. You have the choice to stay on-site for non-stop festival fun or join in as a day tripper (the festival is just a 40-minute drive from Queenstown and 15 minutes from Wānaka).
Date: 30 and 31 December
Location: Cardrona Valley
Where to stay: Find the best accommodation deals in Wānaka or Queenstown
AUM New Year’s Eve Festival
If you’re looking for something more than just music, AUM offers a summer playground for everyone, packed with activities for all ages. Surrounded by the coastal kānuka forest located at South Head—an hour north of central Auckland—this idyllic location is the perfect setting to bring in the New Year with your whānau (family). There’s music, arts, and performances and also a chance to set up camp (there are three main zones: general camping, family camping, and extra quiet camping).
If you want to add a touch of luxury and comfort, there are canvas bell tents that come complete with a high-quality air bed and linen. There’s a range of health and workshop offerings, morning yoga classes, massage therapy, and plenty of food vendors and market stalls—it’s like slipping into a new world to kick back, relax, and welcome in the new year.
Date: 30 December to 2 January
Location: South Head, Auckland
Where to stay: On-site
Wellington NYE Celebration at Whairepo Lagoon
Another family favourite is the celebration at Whairepo Lagoon. Every year, the capital city puts on a wonderful evening of live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour, and it’s all free. For families with little ones, there’s a Kids Countdown and mini fireworks, with the celebrations continuing all the way up until midnight.
Date: 31 December
Location: Wellington
Where to stay: Find the best holiday deals in Wellington
Northern Bass
Relax by the beach during the day and party the night away. Northern Bass is the ultimate three-day festival for drum and bass lovers, with a stellar line-up of international musicians, DJs, and producers providing the perfect soundtrack to ring in the new year. Situated just over an hour north of Auckland in the summer hotspot of Mangawhai, you can choose between one-, two-, and three-day festival passes so you can enjoy both the laid-back vibe of Northland’s coastal surroundings and then head straight into the pumping festival vibe, which culminates, of course, with a grand NYE fireworks display.
Dates: 29 December to 31 December
Location: Mangawhai
Where to stay: Find the best holiday homes in Mangawhai
Highlife NYE Experience
For something a little more boujee, Highlife sets the perfect scene. Think of a boutique, Ibiza-style experience with a night of top-class DJs, fabulous food, and a selection of delicious drinks. In the past, it’s been held in Matakana and more recently, the new venue announced was Waiheke, with both locations offering stunning scenery for the one-night festival.
Dates: 31 December
Location: Waiheke (check website for latest info)
Where to stay: Find the best accommodation deals in Waiheke
