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New Years in AUckland

New Year’s Eve 2022-23 in New Zealand

You are leaving the year 2022 in an amazing country and seeing in the new year 2023 in an amazing country! Definitely worth celebrating, so whatever your budget and timeframe you will find an awesome festival to celebrate the New Year in New Zealand. Remember in New Zealand, we are the first country in the world to see the NY thanks to our position on the International Date Line!

Wherever you are in New Zealand you can find a great spot to see in the NY. Here are our top picks:-

1. Rhythm and Vines
This takes place from 29 December to 31 December at Waiohika Estate Vineyard in Gisborne. You can camp on site or check out the 20 best hotels and places to stay in Gisborne

2. Rhythm and Alps
This is the sister festival of Rhythm and Vines, so if you find yourself in the south of the South Island, don’t worry you don’t have to travel far to be at this festival packed with an awesome line-up of bands and DJ’S.
Held on the 29 December to 31 December at Cardrona Valley in Wanaka. Camp on site or check out the 20 best places to stay in Wanaka

3. Wellington Celebrations
A free event takes place at the Frank Kitts Park Lagoon on the 31st December. Fireworks will be let off at 9pm and again at midnight. There will be bands playing music from the 1980’s onwards all evening and once midnight has rolled around you can continue the after party at the many bars and clubs in town. See the Guide to Wellington Nightlife for options.

4. Auckland and surrounding areas
If you are still in Auckland, you will find plenty of options for a great NY celebration. Travel one hour north of the city centre and you can attend the hippy camping festival of AUM. This takes place from the 30 December to 2 January and includes art, workshops, music, and technical wizardry!
Further north the very popular Northern Bass festival kicks off on the 29 December to the 31 December. They have an epic line up of international drum and bass acts at this festival located at 420 Settlement Road, Kaiwaka. Looking for accommodation – check out the 10 Best Budget accommodations in Whangarei, but get in quick this is a very popular festival! Still in the North, and only a short drive from Auckland is the Highlife NYE celebrations on 31 December at Ascension Wine Estate, Matakana. Enjoy wine, live acts, DJ’s and fireworks at this over 22’s festival.

Still looking for options in Auckland? The Resolution Festival in Kumeu has 15 zones of 150+ workshops, 80+ musicians, 70+ market stalls and more. This is a family friendly event that is more than just music. Takes place at the Kumeu Showgrounds from 29 December to January 2.

5. New Years Eve in Queenstown
Queenstown is the party capital of New Zealand, so you are guaranteed a carnival atmosphere with plenty of food stalls, music and fireworks. This is a free event taking place at Earnslaw Park on the 31 December and you will find some of the hottest after parties to continues into the wee hours. Check out the Guide to Queenstown Nightlife

6. New Years Eve in Christchurch
Another free New Years festival is held in North Hagley Park in Christchurch on the 31st of December. This is a family friendly event with live bands, food stalls and of course, fireworks at midnight!

7. Rotorua GLO Festival
Last but not least, if you find yourself in Rotorua, head down to the Rotorua Village Green for another free New Year’s festival. The GLO Festival takes place on the 31 December with live music, performing arts, movies and the obligatory fireworks display.

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