New Zealand is gearing up to be one of the first countries in the world to ring in the New Year 2025 with an array of public events and fireworks displays up and down the motu.
A fireworks display will launch at the stroke of midnight from a barge moored in the channel between Paihia and Russell to welcome 2025 in the Bay of Islands.
The five-minute fireworks display from Auckland’s Sky Tower is the highest in the Southern Hemisphere. It will begin with a 10-second countdown projected on the base of the tower before more than half a tonne of pyrotechnics are launched from three firing sites.
Planning and production of the display began five months ago with more than 350 hours dedicated to equipment installation.
New Zealand is gearing up to be one of the first countries in the world to ring in the New Year 2025 with an array of public events and fireworks displays up and down the motu. (Source: 1News)
SkyCity chief operating officer Callum Mallet said he was thrilled to bring the fireworks back for 2025.
“We’ve worked hard to make this year’s event even more spectacular, with a synchronised fireworks and laser light show that promises to be one of our best yet – it’s a true celebration for Auckland and Aotearoa.”
The Festival of Lights at New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park runs throughout summer and has extended hours on December 31 until 12.30am.
Palmerston North’s The Square will play host to a free event from 5pm, with live acts such as The Lost Tribe of Aotearoa, workshops, cabaret acts and fireworks displays at 9.30pm and at midnight.
Wairepo Lagoon on Wellington’s waterfront will host a council-run New Year’s Eve party from 8pm. Fireworks will take place at 9.30pm alongside a “countdown to midnight” for families and again with a five-minute display at midnight.
Christchurch City Council announced its New Year’s Eve events at North Hagley Park had been cancelled due to poor weather, just hours before they were set to kick off.
“Unfortunately, due to weather, this afternoon’s NYE Kids’ Countdown and tonight’s NYE24 events have been cancelled,” the council wrote on Facebook.
“We’re sorry to share this disappointing news and apologise for any inconvenience. We hope you’re still able to celebrate the New Year in style with your loved ones.”
Dunedin is hosting a street party in the Octagon from 6pm with bands including SingleTrack, Tomahawk Radio and Shakes and the Troublemakers. The evening wraps up with a light show projected onto the Regent Theatre.
