New Year's, Kiwi Style

New Year's Eve in New Zealand comes early. The country is one of the first places on earth to see midnight, and it does it in the middle of summer, with warm nights, long twilight and two public holidays straight after it. The only real decision is where you want to be when the clock goes.

Some people want fireworks and a crowd. Others want a beach, a lake and a quiet start to the year. New Zealand does both very well, and with a car from Evolve Rentals you can have the big night and the slow morning after, which is where the best of it usually is.

What happens on New Year's Eve in Queenstown?

The town heads for the lakefront. Queenstown Lakes District Council runs free celebrations along the water, and last New Year's Eve they started with an afternoon of family entertainment in Earnslaw Park, then live bands on the main stage from 7.30pm, a DJ stage on Marine Parade from 9pm, and fireworks over the lake at midnight. The programme is confirmed each December on the council's summer events page.

Two things worth knowing. The central town is an alcohol free area in public places over the holiday period, so drinks belong in the bars and restaurants, not on the beach. And roads close around the event, so plan to walk in rather than drive.

What happens on New Year's Eve in Auckland?

Auckland counts down to the Sky Tower. The fireworks go off from the tower at midnight, and in recent years they have been timed with a light show on the Harbour Bridge. Many central streets become pedestrian only from 10pm until 1am, and buses and ferries run late services so people can get home.

You do not have to be in the middle of it. Maungawhau Mount Eden, Takarunga Mount Victoria and Maungauika North Head have all stayed open past midnight as viewing spots, with the whole city spread out below. Details for each year are on OurAuckland.

Where can you escape the crowds on New Year's Eve?

For plenty of travellers the best New Year's Eve is nowhere near a countdown. A beach north of Auckland, a lakeside spot outside Queenstown, or a night away somewhere you have been meaning to go all trip. That is where a car earns its place: you choose the spot, you choose when to leave, and you are not waiting on anybody else's timetable.

Around Queenstown, the drive to Glenorchy takes you to the quiet end of the lake. From Auckland, our day trips cover the west coast beaches and the wine country, all within an hour of the city.

Should you drive on New Year's Eve?

Not after midnight if you have been celebrating. The car stays parked for the big night, you get home on foot, by taxi or with a sober driver, and the car comes out again in the morning. That is the whole plan, and it is a good one.

Taxis are in demand after midnight in both cities, so book one ahead or agree the lift home before the night starts. In Queenstown, Green Cabs run around the clock on 0800 76 76 73. And bring a layer for midnight by the lake. Even in the middle of summer, a Queenstown night cools off quickly once the sun has dropped behind the mountains, and you will be standing still for the fireworks.

What is New Year's Day like in New Zealand?

Quiet, and that is the point. Most of the country is asleep, the roads are empty, and the second of January is a public holiday as well, so there is no rush back to anything. It is the best morning of the year for a drive.

In Queenstown, that might be breakfast in Arrowtown and a swim in the lake. From Auckland, a slow run out to the coast, where Piha and the west coast beaches are at their best on a warm morning, and where the rule is always to swim between the flags. And if you have a few days to spare, our December road trips and the long summer drives worth doing in January turn the start of the year into a proper trip.

Getting the car sorted

The week between Christmas and New Year is peak season in both cities, so book early. In Queenstown we bring the car to you, which nobody else in Queenstown does and which is the whole reason Evolve exists, or you can collect from us at 153b Glenda Drive in Frankton. In Auckland it is collection from the Grand Millennium at 71 Mayoral Drive, a short walk from the Sky Tower.

If you are here for Christmas too, Christmas, Kiwi Style has the day itself covered. Then book your car with Evolve Rentals, watch the fireworks on foot, and keep the car for the first morning of the year.

FAQs

Where can you see fireworks on New Year's Eve in Queenstown?
On the lakefront. Queenstown Lakes District Council runs free celebrations along the water with live music and fireworks over the lake at midnight.

What time are the Sky Tower fireworks on New Year's Eve?
At midnight. The fireworks are launched from the Sky Tower, and in recent years have been timed with a light show on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Where is the best place to watch the Auckland fireworks?
The central city and waterfront are the busiest spots. Maungawhau Mount Eden, Takarunga Mount Victoria and Maungauika North Head have stayed open past midnight as quieter viewing spots.

Can you drink on the Queenstown lakefront on New Year's Eve?
No. Central Queenstown is an alcohol free area in public places over the holiday period, so drinks belong in bars and restaurants.

Is New Year's Day a public holiday in New Zealand?
Yes, and so is the second of January, so most people get two days off to start the year.