Auckland's Sky Tower will light up with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight as the city leads the country's celebrations to welcome in 2026.
The iconic tower will feature a collection of "special moments" from 9pm, before the main pyrotechnics display kicks off as the clock strikes 12.
Click here to watch the fireworks live on TVNZ+ from 11.55pm
How to watch from home
For those celebrating from the couch, TVNZ will broadcast the countdown and midnight moment live on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ 2. Watch live channels on TVNZ+.
SkyCity will also live stream video of the fireworks online.
Best viewing spots
The Auckland Harbour Bridge will also come alive with a brand-new dynamic light and sound show, starting in the minutes before midnight. Both displays will be synchronised to a MoreFM 91.8FM playlist of the top songs from 2025.
Large crowds are expected to gather in the city centre throughout the evening.
Several maunga will remain open until after midnight for those wanting elevated views of the fireworks and light show, including Maungawhau/Mt Eden, Maungauika/North Head and Takarunga/Mt Victoria.
Security will be in place, with alcohol and fireworks banned at these sites.
Other recommended viewing spots for the harbour bridge light show include Westhaven Marina, Silo Park, the end of Queens Wharf, and Bayswater Marina.
Roaming performers will also move along Queen St and the waterfront ahead of midnight.
As the clock struck midnight, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland was the first major city in the world to welcome in the New Year. (Source: 1News)
How to get there
Auckland Council is urging people to plan well ahead and use public transport, shared rides or taxis.
Traffic access to the city centre and Wynyard Quarter will be limited, with many roads reserved for pedestrians from 10pm on December 31 to 1am on January 1.
Trains are not running, but some rail replacement bus services are operating.
Buses and ferries will operate on a Saturday timetable, with limited additional buses running after midnight.
The last ferry will leave downtown for Devonport and Waiheke Island at 12.15am.
Meanwhile, the southbound clip-on lanes of the Auckland Harbour Bridge will be closed, including the off-ramp to Shelly Beach Rd.
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