Fact: Aussies and New Zealanders are always the life of the party – and both respective countries know how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style.
While you might not agree with the first statement (you can take it up with the Melbourne-born author in the comments), Australia and New Zealand are among the best destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Bid farewell to 2017 and take a look as we compare what it’s like to celebrate NYE in New Zealand Vs Australia.
New Zealand
Best places in New Zealand to see fireworks on NYE
Auckland
In New Zealand, Auckland is the true show-stopper on New Year’s Eve. As the largest city in New Zealand, you can guarantee there will be something to do. Take a walk along the Auckland Harbour for a panoramic view of the fireworks, or for the best views from afar, you can make your way up Mount Eden or to One Tree Hill.
To kick off 2018, you could take the plunge from the Sky Tower with a bungee jump and descend almost 200 metres (only if you’re feeling brave).
Wellington
Claiming the all-important title as one of the first cities in the world to welcome 2018, make sure you get yourself to Wellington. To catch the fireworks, head to Frank Kitts Park for the best view of the spectacular event. If you have time to continue exploring, jump on the Wellington Cable Car for a sweeping view of the city.
Queenstown
In the adrenaline-fuelled city of Queenstown, you can catch the fireworks at Earnslaw Park for an evening of family entertainment and activities as you watch the sky come alive.
Best NYE festivals and events in New Zealand
Rhythm and Vines Festival
When: December 29 – 31
Where: Waiohika Estate, Gisborne
There’s no denying that New Year’s Eve is the biggest event of the year. Consider dancing your way through five stages with over 70 artists at the Rhythm and Vines festival. Keep an ear out for the sounds of 2ManyDJ’s, Schoolboy Q, RÜFÜS and Felix Da Housecat.
Top Paddock Music Festival
When: December 31
Where: Lake Hawea, Otago
The open-air extravaganza will be held in the scenic Lake Hawea, right in the midst of the Southern Alps and the perfect way for you to revel in the last moments of 2017.
“From the stunning, untouched lake-side location settled deep in the Southern Alps to the food, photo-booths and the music line-up headlined by the winner of ‘The Voice’ Australia 2017, there is something for everyone (over 18 years old) at Top Paddock this New Year’s Eve.” – Claire, Top Paddock Music Festival Director
Rhythm and Alps Festival
When: December 29 – 31
Where: Cardrona Valley, Otago
What could be better than beats and camping set between the mountains of New Zealand’s South Island? This year’s line-up includes Camo and Crooked, Tash Sultana, Goldie and Fat Freddy’s Drop as well as many other New Zealand artists. The popular event is renowned for offering a strong lineup of DJs and musicians from New Zealand and beyond.
The festival runs for four days, with on-site camping options available. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can purchase a one-day ticket.
Wondergarden Festival
When: December 31
Where: Silo Park, Auckland
If you’re looking for a family-friendly option, take a look at the Wondergarden festival. You can look forward to a range of local artists along with light installations, entertainment and street food.
Australia
Best places in Australia to see fireworks on NYE
Sydney
Famous for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, there is much to see and do in Sydney. As for NYE, to watch the incredible display of pyrotechnics, head to Birchgrove Park for the best vantage point.
Another option for Sydneysiders (and visitors) is to camp on Cockatoo Island and watch the sky come alive from the opposite side of the harbour. Perfect for families and children, you can camp under the stars and forget about traffic jams after midnight.
My favourite New Year’s Eve experience in Australia was watching the amazing fireworks over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They put on a fantastic show and it is definitely worthwhile to make the effort to see it!
Remember that if you want to go to the popular places for New Year’s Eve in Australia you definitely need to book ahead – in particular accommodation in Sydney typically books out 6-12 months prior, and prime fireworks viewing locations also require tickets which need to be purchased in advance. – Anne, Pretraveller
Melbourne
If you’re after a good time, raise a glass and welcome 2018 in Melbourne. Not to be outdone by Sydney, the fireworks in Melbourne can be seen from any location across the city. You could join the celebrations at Federation Square, Alexandra Gardens, by the Docklands or take refuge at one of the many rooftop bars and watch the sky come alive.
While you’re there, spend a few days exploring the graffitied alleyways of the city, check out the thriving café scene (brunch is a must-do) and take a walk through the Botanical Gardens or along St Kilda beach.
Brisbane
A totally underrated city, Brisbane won’t let you down on New Year’s Eve and is perfect for museum-lovers, food-lovers, and anyone who loves warm weather year-round. Set foot in the South Bank area or near the Brisbane River to view a spectacular display of fireworks.
Perth
Did you know, Perth is one of the most geographically isolated capital cities in the world? Don’t let that deter you – Perth is surrounded by white beaches along with the signature Australian bushland. For a family-friendly New Year’s Eve, take a look at the beautiful city of Perth.
With firework displays viewable from Wellington Square and The Northbridge, we highly recommend starting 2018 in the entertainment hub of Australia.
Gold Coast
The best fireworks can be viewed from Broadbeach as you watch the clock tick over at midnight on the Gold Coast. If you have time, hire a car and cruise along the famous east coast of Australia.
Best NYE festivals and events in Australia
Beyond The Valley
When: December 28 – January 1
Where: Lardner Park, just outside of Melbourne
When the team at Beyond The Valley dropped their 2017/18 line-up earlier this year, music-lovers across the world started to pay attention to this humble festival with a killer line-up. For its fourth year in a row, the festival will return to Lardner Park on the outskirts of Melbourne to host a mix of local and international artists. The bill this year features Matt Corby, Hayden James, Stormzy, ScHoolBoy Q, Little Dragon and more.
Glamping (luxury camping) is available for festival-goers looking for extra comfort.
Falls Festival
When: Various dates across New Year’s Eve
Where: Byron Bay (NSW), Marion Bay (TAS), Lorne (VIC), Fremantle (WA)
When it comes to New Year celebrations, the team at Falls do not mess about when it comes to pleasing the crowd. Offering a selection of dates across various cities, you can celebrate New Year’s Eve no matter where you are in Australia. Celebrating 25 years of existence, Falls is an iconic festival.
“We’re getting set to celebrate our brightest ever summer silver jubilee! Our quarter-century line-up has landed amongst the party palms, port cities and champagne shores of Australia’s heartland, as we release another collection of almighty salutations across the New Year period and first week of January.” – A Falls Festival Representative
Elevation at Eureka Tower
When: December 31
Where: Eureka Tower, Melbourne
If you’re looking to take your NYE celebrations to the next level, what better way than sipping champagne at the top of the Eureka Tower watching over the Melbourne skyline?
Origin NYE
When: December 31
Where: Claremont Showgrounds, Perth
On the final day of 2017, spend it celebrating with the sounds of artists such as A-Trak, Mura Masa and more to fill your ears on the west coast of Australia. This festival is a one-day event, so you can make the most of your time out west exploring Perth and its surroundings.
Harbour Party at Luna Park
When: December 31
Where: Luna Park, Sydney
With artists Pnau, Hook N Sling and Tkay Maidza headlining the event inside the grounds of the iconic Luna Park, you can enjoy the novelty-factor and fun of a theme park – but with an adult twist (and minus the kids).
Lost Paradise
When: December 28 – 31
Where: Glenworth Valley, just outside of Sydney
Just a short drive beyond Sydney, you can celebrate New Year’s Eve in the picturesque Glenworth Valley with this four-day camping adventure. During the festival, you’ll find yourself surrounded by brilliant music, late night discos and a generous line-up including Meg Mac, Client Liaison, RÜFÜS, Tourist and San Cisco.
What are your thoughts on celebrating NYE in New Zealand Vs Australia? Share with us in the comments below.
