rhythm and alps new years eve

Outdoor New Years Eve celebrations NZ

Just like other countries around the world, New Years Eve in New Zealand is taken very seriously, taking into account we are one of the first to see in the New Year there are now a number of overnight and 2 and 3 day festivals running over this time.

These festivals make a great change to the usual parties and club nights as they are all outdoor festivals so that you can enjoy the New Year’s Eve Celebrations under the stars.

For backpackers used to spending New Year’s in the dark and freezing cold, New Zealand’s outdoor festivals are a must to experience. New Zealand has some amazing music festivals and fireworks displays during the New Year period, all of which are set amongst some pretty epic landscapes. Each year the festivals and celebrations play host to a huge line up of local and international acts and are a great way to top off your New Zealand experience.

We have had a look at the top New Year’s parties around the country and decided which are our Top outdoor New Year’s Eve celebrations in New Zealand for 2016.

1. Rhythm and Vines

Set amongst Gisborne’s vineyards, Rhythm and Vines is one of our favourite 3 day camping festivals! Gisborne is one of the first places in the world to bring in the New Year and this festival is one not to be missed with 5 stages and over 70 artists. This year’s line up is huge including 2ManyDJ’s, Schoolboy Q, RUFUS, Felix Da Housecat, P-Money and more! If you are on a budget day passes are available.

Price – $295 + BF (3 Day Passes)
Date – 29 – 31 December
Location – Waiohika Estate, Gisborne
More Info / Tickets: rhythmandvines.co.nz/

2. Rhythm and Alps

Set in Cardrona Valley (about half way between Wanaka and Queenstown) this 2 night camping, music festival is set amongst the stunning mountains of New Zealand’s south island and is the only festival of its kind in the south. This year’s line up includes Cornerstone Roots, Camo and Crooked, Goldie and the amazing Fat Freddy’s Drop as well as many other New Zealand and international artists. If you’re on a budget then you can also purchase just a day ticket.

Price – $119 – $329 (Day pass to 3 day camping pass price)
Date – 29 – 31 December
Location – Robrosa Station, Cardrona Valley, 15 minutes south of Wanaka, Central Otago. The festival site is located between the famous Cardrona Ski resort and the high rolling terrain of the Pisa Plateau.
More Info / Tickets: rhythmandalps.co.nz
Stay  Nomads Queenstown (a short car or bus ride away)

3. High Life NYE Experience

A New Years Eve party to welcome in 2019 at the Wharf in Auckland. Enjoy DJ’s, live acts, dancers, performers, gourmet food, premium beverages, views of the fireworks and more…

Price – $85 + booking fee
Date – 31st December 6pm – 2am
Location – The Wharf, Auckland
More Info / Tickets: https://highlifeentertainment.co.nz/highlifenye/

highlife nye new years eve new zealand

4. Northern Bass

Another great camping music festival if you are planning on being in Auckland around the festive period. Northern Bass takes place in the sub tropical surroundings of Mangawhai, 1 hour from Auckland. This year’s line up is going to be huge with Goldie, Salmonella Dub + Tiki Taane, Shapeshifter, Stormzy and many more. The camping festival lasts for 3 days and is a must do although you can get 1 day and 2 day tickets!

Price – from $149 + BF
Date – 29 December – 31 December
Location – Mangawhai
More Info / Tickets: http://northernbass.co.nz

Fireworks Celebrations

If you are on a budget and can’t really afford any of the amazing music festivals, then make your way to one of New Zealand’s major cities for some amazing celebrations and fireworks displays. Entry is free and the festivities kick off around 8:00pm. The areas are normally alcohol free, but not to worry, there will be plenty of bars in the city having a huge NYE party.

Top Tips:

Auckland: Head to Auckland Sky Tower or Auckland Harbour to catch the fireworks, live music and entertainment

Queenstown: Celebrations take place in Earnslaw Park on Queenstown’s lakefront from 7:30pm. What a setting to watch the fireworks! Most of the bars will have something going on and there will be bar crawls running! Stay at Nomads Queenstown.

Wellington: Head on down to Frank Kitts Park in Wellington to watch the fireworks display, check out the live music and even take a picnic! Courtenay Place & Cuba Street’s bars and nightlife will be buzzing! Stay at Nomads Wellington.

Decide which outdoor festival or fireworks show is good for you and book your tickets and accommodation now. Spending New Year’s Eve outdoors with some good food, good wine and good friends is a must-do if you’re in New Zealand.

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