New Zealand is the first country in the world (apart from a few small islands in the South Pacific) to see the new day - and therefore the new year. For many New Zealanders, welcoming in the new year is a big celebration. Parties, festivals and concerts are held throughout the country. One of the things that makes these celebrations very different from in the northern hemisphere is because of course we are in the middle of summer. So being up at midnight for the countdown is usually warm and pleasant.
If you are traveling in New Zealand over the New Year period, you might like to join in the celebrations. Here are some of the major New Year events being held to mark the beginning of 2013:
New Year's Eve Festivals and Events in New Zealand.
Also check out December in New Zealand to see what else is going on at this time of the year.
And if you're still trying to decide the best time to come here, see my guide: When to Visit New Zealand
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Do not overlook yet another Music Festival at the provincial town of South Island named Timaru. It is over a century old and family friendly too. It’s going from strength to strength. It’s point of difference is the additional element of Carnival atmosphere to the Music Festival and it’s held at Caroline Bay, the crown jewel of Timaru. The Festival is aptly named Caroline Bay Carnival: http://www.carolinebay.org.nz/