You know what they say\u2014the way you spend your New Year\u2019s Eve is how you\u2019ll spend the rest of the year. While the truth behind this may be a bit questionable, there\u2019s no denying that taking some time off to ring in the new year with good vibes, friends, and wh\u0101nau (family) sets a positive tone for the months to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether it\u2019s 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 smorgasbord of experiences and are the perfect way to start a new chapter. So take your pick and kick off the new year in style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The holy grail of New Year\u2019s Festivals in New Zealand\u2014think of it almost as a rite of passage. Rhythm & Vines<\/a> 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\u2019ll be dancing your way into the New Year under the stars and be the very first in the world to welcome the new year\u2019s sunrise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Date<\/strong>: 29 to 31 December (28 December for on-site campers only)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location<\/strong>: Waiohika Estate, Gisborne<\/p>\n\n\n\n The South Island sister festival of Rhythm & Vines, this one is held in the beautiful Cardrona Valley. Surrounded by mountains and streams, Rhythm & Alps<\/a> 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 W\u0101naka).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Date<\/strong>: 30 and 31 December<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location<\/strong>: Cardrona Valley<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where to stay<\/strong>: Find the best accommodation deals in W\u0101naka<\/a> or Queenstown<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for something more than just music, AUM<\/a> offers a summer playground for everyone, packed with activities for all ages. Surrounded by the coastal k\u0101nuka forest located at South Head\u2014an hour north of central Auckland\u2014this idyllic location is the perfect setting to bring in the New Year with your wh\u0101nau (family). There\u2019s 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). <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s a range of health and workshop offerings, morning yoga classes, massage therapy, and plenty of food vendors and market stalls\u2014it\u2019s like slipping into a new world to kick back, relax, and welcome in the new year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Date<\/strong>: 30 December to 2 January<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location<\/strong>: South Head, Auckland<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where to stay<\/strong>: On-site<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another family favourite is the celebration at Whairepo Lagoon<\/a>. 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\u2019s all free. For families with little ones, there\u2019s a Kids Countdown and mini fireworks, with the celebrations continuing all the way up until midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Date<\/strong>: 31 December<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location<\/strong>: Wellington<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where to stay<\/strong>: Find the best holiday deals in Wellington<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Relax by the beach during the day and party the night away. Northern Bass<\/a> is the ultimate two-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- and two-day festival passes so you can enjoy both the laid-back vibe of Northland\u2019s coastal surroundings and then head straight into the pumping festival vibe, which culminates, of course, with a grand NYE fireworks display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dates<\/strong>: 30 December to 31 December<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location<\/strong>: Mangawhai<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where to stay<\/strong>: Find the best holiday homes in Mangawhai<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n For something a little more boujee, Highlife<\/a> 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\u2019s been held in Matakana and more recently, the new venue announced was Waiheke, with both locations offering stunning scenery for the one-night festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dates<\/strong>: 31 December<\/p>\n\n\n\n Location<\/strong>: Waiheke (check website<\/a> for latest info)<\/p>\n\n\n\nRhythm & Alps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
AUM New Year’s Eve Festival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wellington NYE Celebration at Whairepo Lagoon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Northern Bass<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Highlife NYE Experience<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n