The Sky Tower's firework display during New Year's Eve celebrations always draws a crowd. Photo / Getty Images
The Sky Tower's firework display during New Year's Eve celebrations always draws a crowd. Photo / Getty Images
Your go-to guide for spending New Year’s Eve in the big smoke.
If you’re not heading north, south or overseas for a break over the New Year’s period, or just don’t want to stray too far from the crowd, Tāmaki Makaurau has a tonne of events lined up for the city dwellers.
You never have to go far to have a good time in Auckland city, and this year there’s something for all ages, from fireworks and light shows by the water to idyllic festivals and fantastic club nights.
As the first major city in the world to welcome in the new year, here’s our curated round-up of the best events to ring in 2025.
SUNSET KAYAK TO RANGITOTO ISLAND / CITY LIGHTS NIGHT KAYAK TOUR
Take a sunset tour to Rangitoto Island this New Year's Eve before the countdown to midnight. Photo / Auckland Sea Kayaks
Auckland Sea Kayaks is offering two unique experiences to end the year on a high. Depart from St Heliers Beach for a scenic paddle to Rangitoto to watch the final sunset of the year as it dips below the city. City lights will guide the return home under the night sky, and there’ll be time to get back into town for midnight celebrations. Included in the tickets is a barbecue dinner and refreshments.
For a shorter expedition, meet at the Westhaven Marina Boat Ramp at 7:45pm for a kayak trip across Waitematā Harbour. This is the prime place to view the city lights as they glimmer in the tranquil water. The reflective experience is unparalleled and provides a wholesome way to wrap up the year.
The Vector Lights will light up the Auckland Harbour Bridge with a special display on December 31. Photo / Brett Phibbs / PhibbsVisuals
The Vector Lights will have a beautiful midnight countdown pre-show projected across the Auckland Harbour Bridge that takes cues from the Auckland Is Calling campaign (an incentive to showcase and unite events and activities in Tāmaki Makaurau by encouraging Aucklanders and visitors to safely get out and experience everything in the region) as well as the city’s maunga, landscape and moana. Inspired by Tomokanga (a traditional Māori gateway), the light show tells the story of Tāmaki Makaurau’s 19 iwi and depicts the connection between people, land and sea. As the clock hits midnight, a live soundtrack will enhance the lights’ special New Year’s display.
Morningside Tavern is stepping up its game on December 31, with “backyard” activities and arcade games for the kids to enjoy. The adults can sit back and relax with a drink in hand while listening to live music throughout the day. It’s sure to be a wholesome day at the Tav.
Where: 16 McDonald St, Morningside.
When: From 11:30am December 31, 2024. Live music from 2pm.
Fireworks from the Sky Tower can be seen all around the city. Photo / Hayden Woodward
Auckland’s CBD is always bustling with celebrations each New Year’s Eve, and this year is no different. On top of the Vector Lights, the city’s other major drawcard is its midnight fireworks; an impressive display often broadcast by global news outlets to mark the beginning of 2025. The five-minute spectacle can be seen at multiple spots around Auckland, so have a think about where you want to view it from!
This New Year’s Eve at the Sky Tower, SkyCity is bringing a party to the 53rd floor of Auckland’s most iconic landmark. With acclaimed House DJs Frank Booker and Venetia playing a mix of Disco & Deep House on a fine-tuned soundsystem, a drink in hand on arrival, and food to go around all night, ring in the new year with views above the city’s dazzling skyline.
Where: Level 53, Cnr Victoria and Federal streets, Auckland Central.
When: December 31, 2024-January 1, 2025.
Bookings: General admission $120 per person, VIP Admission $150 per person. Buy tickets here.
Caretaker in Britomart is hosting Candelight Jazz on December 31. Photo / @caretaker.nz
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated way to ring in the new year, Caretaker in Britomart is hosting Candlelight Jazz on New Year’s Eve. With an endless variety of cocktails and flavours ready to be made by expert mixologists, and disco tunes ready to go from midnight onwards, this is where you need to be to enjoy the night outside of a deafening nightclub.
The Churchill is one of New Zealand's highest rooftop bars. Photo / Babiche Martens
For an unforgettable night, head to the 20th floor of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel and herald in the new year at The Churchill. The dress code is “dress to impress”. Add a touch of luxury to your festivities at this premier Auckland venue. While tickets are on the pricey side, the majority of the money goes toward a minimum spend, allowing you to buy all the food and drinks you need without having to watch your wallet.
Where: 396 Queen St, Auckland Central.
When: From 8pm December 31, 2024-1:30am January 1, 2025.
Bookings: Tickets are $300 per person, which will go towards a $290 minimum spend per person. Book now here.
ROOFTOP AT QT
NYE at QT Rooftop is inspired by the Parisian cabaret scene.
Rooftop at QT is putting on a show for Aucklanders at its sixth-floor venue. The special event has a Parisian-inspired theme, Le Moulin Rouge, with endless Perrier-Jouët champagne and delectable canapés going from 8pm to 9pm and an in-house DJ to elevate the vibes. Book one of the limited VIP booths to make your evening extra special.
Bookings: Tickets from $110 per person. Buy tickets here.
NYE LIVE AT LULA’S
South Pacific establishment The Lula Inn has pulled together a stellar line-up for NYE, showcasing the best of hospitality right by the waterfront. You can book in a three-course set menu for $99 per person. It’s available from 5pm to 9pm and comes with a glass of champagne on arrival. There’s also a DJ on deck from 7pm to 10pm, followed by the live band Mischief playing from 10pm through to 1am. DJs will jump back on track to finish off the night and begin the new year.
The SkyBar on the Sky Tower’s 50th floor is putting on a show from 6pm onwards with DJ Jarom Hall mixing tunes until sunset hour at 9pm. Once night falls, DJ Tony Phoenix will take over the decks to bring upbeat tracks to the dance floor as we count down to midnight. Bookings are essential.
Where: Level 50, Cnr Victoria and Federal streets, Auckland Central.
Bask in the sunshine this New Year's at Dr Rudi's, which overlooks the Viaduct Harbour.
Secure a spot overlooking the Viaduct Harbour at Dr Rudi’s rooftop bar and set yourself up with a range of craft beers, cocktails, and pizzas accompanied by a string of DJ performances. The venue’s VIP Balcony package opts for an even grander experience with exclusive access to the balcony, free-flowing drinks and canapés from 8pm to 10pm, and a champagne toast at midnight.
Count down to midnight at these Auckland festivals:
AUM
AUM runs across four days in South Head on Auckland's upper west coast. Photo / Mili Villamil
AUM festival is celebrating a milestone year in 2024. As part of its 10th anniversary, the music, arts and camping festival will treat punters to four music zones, visual art and performances, health and wellbeing-focused workshops, and more. There’s a clear expectation to respect and follow AUM’s guidelines while staying on the land; safety, respect, consent, inclusiveness, and kindness are some of the few to remember.
Who: Oood, Salmonella Dub System, Sensient, Nikki S, Aroha and more.
The festival is open to all ages. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian.
HIGHLIFE
Highlife is moving to Waiheke Island for this New Year's Eve. Photo / ATEED
Selling out in early November, the exclusivity of Highlife courts Aucklanders older than 23 who aren’t keen to commit to an overnight festival and all the risks that come with it. Moving from Matakana to Waiheke Island’s Wild Estate Vineyard this year, the festival advises wearing “a smart yet fun style of attire”, so leave those jandals and singlets at home.
If you missed your chance to attend this year’s event, don’t forget to set a reminder for 2025’s ticket release.
Who: Jonathan Ulysses, Steve Richards, Dick Johnson, Tim Phin, Waxxfanatic and more.
