Top New Year’s Eve destinations
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 20 Jan 2026
New Zealand is one of the first countries in the world to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and of course, there are plenty of fireworks, festivals, and events that take place all across the country.
Enjoy the fireworks at the Bay of Islands
Located in Northland, The Bay of Islands is an ideal spot for celebrating the New Year. There are many great resorts, holiday parks, and bars. Plus, the New Year’s Eve Fireworks show is a must-see display of colourful pyrotechnics.
You can book a rental car in Kerikeri, which is only a 20-minute drive from Paihia, or if you’re coming from Auckland, you can collect a rental car from Auckland Airport and head north on Highway 1.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in the Bay
The Paihia fireworks in can also be viewed from Opua, Russell, and Waitangi
Enjoy a great meal or a drink before the fireworks
New Year’s Eve Pirate Party on Urupukapuka Island
Attend the Caroline Bay Carnival in Timaru
Timaru is another favourite New Year’s destination. Attend the 13-day Caroline Bay Carnival for a full lineup of great activities and family entertainment. The amazing New Year’s Eve fireworks display is not to be missed.
From the South Island, head northeast on Armour Road toward Puketoi-Highfield Road and continue onto State Highway 85. Turn left onto State Highway 1 and follow the signs to Timaru.
Caroline Bay Carnival
Breathtaking midnight NYE fireworks display
Take in the beautiful view of Caroline Bay Beach
Fairground-style rides
Catch the Rhythm and Alps NYE Festival in Queenstown
Bring in the New Year at the South Island’s largest music festival. Pick up a rental car from Queenstown and the annual Rhythm and Alps at the scenic Cardrona Valley is just a drive away. The city also hosts some exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations of its own with vintage steamboat cruises around Lake Wakatipu.
You can also rent a car from Queenstown Airport or one of the downtown depots. From the city, it’s only a 40-minute drive to Cardrona Valley where the festival is held.
Witness a stunning fireworks display
Enjoy live music and entertainment
Take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu
Enjoy the beautiful scenery in and around Cardrona Valley
Watch the New Year Sunrise in Gisborne
Due to its far-east location on New Zealand’s North Island, Gisborne is one of the very first locales in the country—and the world—to witness the first sunrise of the New Year. It’s also home to the award-winning Rhythm and Vines festival, where you’ll be able to celebrate the New Year with your friends and family.
If you want to make getting around Gisborne easy, we suggest renting a car from Gisborne Airport — or from in town. This way, you’ll get the most out of what Gisborne has to offer.
Attend the Rhythm and Vines
Welcome in the first sunrise of the New Year
Live music and entertainment
Experience the Rotorua GLO Festival
Relax and be entertained with friends and family at the Rotorua GLO Festival. Enjoy great music and awesome food, with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight over the Lakefront and Rotorua Village Green.
Renting a car from Rotorua will make getting around a lot easier over New Year’s. You’ll also be able to explore the surrounding region and make your way to the GLO festival when you’re ready.
Family movie
Fireworks extravaganza
Great food
Markets and fair events
Enjoy a night of live music in Wanaka
Wanaka’s main street transforms on New Year’s Eve, becoming a strip of stalls and dancing before the fireworks display at midnight. Popular Wanaka New Year’s celebrations include the annual Rhythm and Alps Festival, and the iHeart Radio Top Paddock Festival.
Renting a car from Queenstown Airport is your best bet, then you can make your way to Wanaka, which will only take you about an hour in the car; the fastest route is via Crown Range Road and Cardrona Valley Road.
Partying at Rhythm & Alps Festival
Explore the beautiful Lake Hawea
iHeart Radio Top Paddock Festival
About the author
Vroom Team
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around New Zealand by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.
