1. Rhythm and vine
The largest Fresh Year’s celebrations in New Zealand take place in the first city in the world to welcome the modern year, thanks to its location on the International Date Line. Festival in Gisborne has gigantic performances in the Fresh Year in sensational surroundings Waiohika Estate Vineyard. Buy your tickets early before they sell out! For more nearby attractions, check out The 20 best things to do in Gisborne.
Date: December 29 – December 31
Location: Waiohika Estate Vineyard, Gisborne
Where to stay: Party camp or search for stays in The 20 best hotels and places to stay in Gisborne.
2. Rhythm and the Alps
The sister festival Rhythm and Vines takes place in a stunning mountain setting Cardrona Valley halfway between Queenstown AND Wanaka. The festival is packed with an amazing lineup of bands and DJs. If you’re in the area, make sure to check these out The 20 best things to do in Wanaka.
Date: December 29 – December 31
Location: Cardrona Valley, Wanaka
Where to stay: Camp at the event or check it out 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Wanaka.
© Pexels3. Fresh Year’s Eve celebrations in Wellington
Go crazy in New Zealand’s capital with bands playing hits from the 80s and beyond. This is a free event in Whairepo Lagoon (Frank Kitts Park Lagoon) will have you tapping your feet until the Fresh Year. Fireworks for children are launched at 9 p.m. and at 12 p.m. The afterparty continues in bars and clubs, many of which we mention in our Wellington Nightlife Guide. Find out more about the event on the Wellington City Council website.
Date: December 31st
Location:Whairepo Lagoon, Wellington
Where to stay: Check out 50 best places to stay in Wellington.
© Pseudopanax from English Wikipedia4. AUM Fresh Year’s Eve Festival
Of course, there are tons of NYE events happening all over Auckland. Travel an hour north of the city center and you’ll find an awesome hippie camping festival AUM. Unleash your creativity with art, workshops, music and all kinds of tech magic at New Zealand’s premier Fresh Year festival.
Date: December 30 – January 2
Location: 320 Wilson Road, South HeadAuckland
Where to stay: Camp at the festival or check out 50 Best Places to Stay in Auckland.
© AUM5. Northern Bass
There’s no better place to soak up the sun than Midnight North Island region. Enjoy an epic line-up of international drum n bass bands at this amazing three-day summer festival. For more ways to enjoy the surroundings of one of New Zealand’s best Fresh Year’s festivals, be sure to check out ours Top 10 things to do in Mangawhai.
Date: December 29 – January 1
Location: 420 Osada Road, Kaiwaka
Where to stay:Camp at the festival or check it out The 10 best budget accommodation in Whangarei Or The 10 best motels in Whangarei.
© Northern Bass6. Highlife NEW
Another Fresh Year’s Eve celebration in the vineyard will take place this time Matakana Coastjust a brief drive away Auckland. Sip wine and enjoy live shows, DJs, performers and amazing fireworks at this 22+ festival. If you want to see the Fresh Year in style, this festival is for you! See more attractions nearby in Top 10 Things to Do on the Matakana Coast.
Date: December 31st
Location: Ascension Vineyard, Matakana
Where to stay: Check out The 50 best places to stay in Auckland.
© HighlifeEntertainment7th Resolution Festival
Need another Fresh Year’s Eve festival option? Auckland? Resolution Festival invites you with 15 zones, over 150 workshops, over 80 musicians, over 70 market stalls, over 60 healers’ stalls and more. The four-day/three-night family event is about more than just music (though that’s still a huge part of it). Enjoy transformational workshops, participatory African drum and dance temples. Children up to 12 years aged enter for free!
Date: December 29 – January 2
Location: 4127 Kaipa Coast Highway, Tauhoea
Where to stay: Check out 50 Best Places to Stay in Auckland.
© unsplash8. Fresh Year’s Eve in Queenstown
Get down to it Earnslaw Park on the shore of the lake Queenstown for music and fireworks! The streets are full of carnival atmosphere and there will be plenty of food stalls where you can grab a bite to eat. Best of all, Queenstown’s NYE ​​event is free! Find out where some of the hottest after-parties are taking place in New Zealand’s party capital in our Queenstown Nightlife Guide. More information about the event will be published on the Queenstown Lakes District Council website.
Date: December 31st
Location: Earnslaw Park, Queenstown
Where to stay: Check out The 50 best places to stay in Queenstown.
© Destination Queenstown9. Fresh Year’s Eve Christchurch
The free Fresh Year’s Eve celebration in New Zealand is Christ Church. North Hagley Park will be the site of this family-friendly event with live bands, food vendors and more as the countdown to midnight fireworks begins. For more ways to explore the South Island’s largest city, visit The 45 best things to do in Christchurch. More information about the event will be announced on the Christchurch City Council website.
Date: December 31st
Location: North Hagley Park in Christchurch
Where to stay: Check 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Christchurch.
© Pixabay10. Fresh Year’s Eve Auckland
Finally, if there weren’t enough festivals around Auckland on Fresh Year’s Eve, at least you’ll have the government-organized Fresh Year’s Eve fireworks and delicate show in downtown Auckland. In the run-up to the Fresh Year, there will be a delicate show at some of the city’s key landmarks, including the Sky Tower, Harbor Bridge, Auckland Museum and Queen Street, followed by a fireworks display from the Sky Tower. More information about the event will be announced on the Auckland Council website. Otherwise, check out where the after-party is taking place in the Auckland Nightlife Guide.
Date: December 31st
Location: Auckland CBD
Where to stay: Check out Auckland’s 50 Best Places to Stay.
© Unsplash