On Wednesday 31 December head to the Wellington waterfront for the annual whānau-friendly free event with live music, food trucks, countdowns and fireworks to welcome in the new year.

Themain event will be based around the scenic amphitheatre at Whairepo Lagoon from 8pm-12 midnight, with food trucks operating in Odlins Plaza from 3pm.

Covers band Electric Avenue kicks-off the entertainment at 8pm, with the Kids’ Countdown and short burst of fireworks at 9.30pm. Orchestra Wellington takes to the stage at 10pm, and we’ll start 2026 with a bang at midnight.

For more information about New Year’s Eve on the waterfront, visit the events page atwellington.govt.nz/newyearfor the full event programme and Council’s Facebook page facebook.com/wellingtoncitycouncil for weather updates on the day.

Meanwhile, the Courtenay Carnival transforms Courtenay Place into a dazzling hub of music, food, dance, and community spirit for New Year’s Eve. From 4pm, experience an unforgettable fusion of live performances, street eats, parades, and cultural showcases – all in the heart of the capital’s entertainment district.

Brought to you by Vitalise Wellington with support from Wellington City Council, this multi-stage event will take over the streets of Courtenay Place, closing the area to vehicles from Cambridge Terrace to Tory Street, including parts of Blair and Allen Streets. Check out eatdrinkplay.co.nz/courtenay-carnival for more information.

We encourage people to walk, bike, or use public transport to come to our major events.

Visitmetlink.org.nzfor updates on public transport, visit the Council'sevents pagefor more events and information over the summer, andwellington.govt.nz/street-event-closurefor more details about road closures.

New Year’s Eve 2025/2026

Āhea | When: 8pm – 12 midnight, Wednesday 31 December 2025

Ki hea | Where: Whairepo Lagoon by Frank Kitts Park and Odlins Plaza

Te utu | Cost: Free

Programme

3pm – Kai court (food trucks) open at Odlins Plaza

8pm – Covers band Electric Avenue starts the tunes

9.30pm – Kids’ countdown and a short burst of fireworks

9.50pm – Fire performance

10pm – Orchestra Wellington takes to the stage

12 midnight – New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks

Staying safe in the city

Take10 will be taking 10 (except on New Year's Eve!) 

Take10’s late night safe zone offers a space to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the clubs, recharge, reconnect and rehydrate. The Take10 team will be taking a hard-earned break between Sun 21 Dec – Thurs 8 Jan (except New Year's Eve). On New Year’s Eve they will be at their usual location on the corner of Taranaki Street andCourtenay Place from 10pm – 3am.

Know Your City Limits 

There's a 24/7 liquor ban in place in the central city. Having an open vessel in a public space can incur a $250fine. There's bright orange signage across the city as a reminder of the liquor ban parameters. While bars will be serving alcohol, this is not to be consumed outside of licensed venue areas. See the liquor ban areas here: Wellington Liquor Ban Area

Stay in the know 

To stay in the know of what harmful or misrepresented substances are in circulation, you can sign up to High Alert’s early drug warning system.Drug checking is available in the central city. See the drug checking calendar for details.

© Scoop Media