Celebrating New Year Despite Bad Weather: A Guide
As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, thousands of people across New Zealand defied the bad weather to come together and welcome 2025 with open arms. Despite some celebrations being dampened by the rain, the spirit of the occasion shone through as communities gathered to usher in the new year in style.
Auckland’s Festivities
In Auckland, a large crowd gathered along the waterfront to witness a spectacular five-minute fireworks display from the iconic Sky Tower. The city’s Harbour Bridge also lit up the night sky, adding to the festive atmosphere. Among the revelers were Aaron and Mary, celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary in style.
“We’re in town for four nights, just about to celebrate our New Years, it’s our 20th wedding anniversary so we’re going to have a good time, we’ve got a live town, fireworks, people watching,” shared Aaron enthusiastically.
“We’re going to be sitting up there just watching all the excitement unfold,” added Mary, capturing the anticipation of the moment. Thousands of others flocked to Auckland’s maunga to catch a glimpse of the dazzling fireworks, creating a sense of unity and joy in the air.
Wellington’s Street Carnival and Christchurch’s Cancellation
In Wellington, a lively street carnival in Courtenay Place brought the community together, with traffic blocked off for the festivities. Organized by hospitality owners, the event aimed to inject life back into the area amid challenging economic conditions. However, in Christchurch, wet weather unfortunately led to the cancellation of the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, highlighting the unpredictable nature of outdoor events.
Rhythm and Vines Festival and Rhythm and Alps
Meanwhile, at the Rhythm and Vines Festival in Gisborne and Rhythm and Alps in Wānaka, large-scale celebrations took place, drawing in thousands of attendees over several days. The Rhythm and Vines Festival organizers faced scrutiny over a $5 fee for optional pre-driving breath testing, prompting mixed reactions from festival-goers.
As the festivities wind down, locals and visitors alike reflect on the past year and look forward to the possibilities that the new year holds. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the resilience and spirit of communities coming together to celebrate the start of 2025 serve as a reminder of the power of unity and joy in overcoming obstacles.