Start The New Year With A Bang With These Event Ideas

Whether you’re all about a backyard barbecue under the summer stars or heading to a big fireworks display, Kiwis know how to ring in the New Year with style.

With the warm nights of a Kiwi summer, the New Year’s vibe is all about outdoor celebrations. From raising a glass of bubbly as the clock strikes midnight to a beachside picnic with the whānau on New Year’s Day, there are plenty of ways to make it one to remember.

And it’s not just New Year’s Eve that’s worth celebrating. Why not start planning for Waitangi Day festivities or enjoy a lively hoe down with mates? There’s always an excuse to get together and have a good time!

To help you get started, the TryBooking team have put together some of our favourite event ideas to bring in the New Year and beyond.

Harbourside Fireworks Party

Picture this: the warm summer breeze, the buzz of excitement in the air, and the countdown to midnight as you take in the stunning views.

A Harbourside Fireworks Party is the perfect way to welcome the New Year with one of New Zealand’s most scenic backdrops. Whether you’re overlooking the harbour in Auckland or by the stunning waterfront in Wellington, it’s a celebration like no other.

Guests can enjoy live music, delicious kai from local food stalls, and exclusive viewing spots to catch the spectacular fireworks. The vibe is lively yet relaxed, with whānau and mates coming together to enjoy an unforgettable night of laughter, good food, and a dazzling show.

These events are a crowd favourite, offering the perfect blend of laid-back charm and a touch of luxury, creating a truly magical start to the year.

Make the most of a platform like TryBooking to manage tickets, sell VIP packages, and even offer early bird specials to get your New Year’s event sorted with ease. It’s a great way to kick off the celebrations!

Having A Big Party

Some would say that partying and bringing in the New Year are synonymous with one another. Arguably the most popular way of celebrating, it can also seem a bit daunting!

Fortunately, putting together a good New Year's party isn't as hard as it seems - whether you're at a specialist events venue, or even just in your front room. There's plenty of ways to make your party stand out too - why not try a 'Decades' dress code, or perhaps theme your event around some of the biggest music hits of the year?

Whatever you decide, New Years parties are bound to go down a hit with those who want to stay up for them.

Outdoor Cinema and Picnic Night

Why not combine the magic of summer with a relaxed outdoor cinema under the stars?

This event is for those who want a relaxed and family-friendly way to celebrate.

Picture a sprawling green lawn under a canopy of stars, where groups of friends and families lay out picnic blankets and enjoy classic movies or crowd favourites on a giant outdoor screen.

The vibe is peaceful yet celebratory, with fairy lights hanging in the trees and soft laughter echoing through the night.

Guests love the nostalgia of watching films outdoors and the opportunity to pair it with good food, great company, and a countdown to remember.

It’s a charming and laid-back way to welcome the New Year.

Beachfront Music Festival

Turn the beach into a New Year’s paradise with a music festival! Feel the sand beneath your feet, the ocean breeze on your face, and the energy of live music filling the night air.

A beachfront music festival is the ultimate summer celebration, where attendees can dance to local bands and DJs, enjoy refreshing cocktails from pop-up bars, and sample gourmet bites from food trucks.

The festive and carefree vibe is what makes this event so appealing.

People love the chance to connect with the rhythm of the music and the beauty of the beach, making it a vibrant and unforgettable way to countdown to the New Year.

Themed River Cruise

Step aboard a beautifully decorated boat and set sail for an enchanting New Year’s Eve.

Themed river cruises offer a one-of-a-kind celebration, whether it’s a glamorous 1920s soirée, a tropical luau, or a masquerade ball. 

Guests enjoy a sumptuous dinner, premium drinks, and a live DJ or band playing onboard as the city skyline sparkles in the distance. 

As the clock strikes midnight, attendees can take in the fireworks from the best seat in the house – the water.

The intimate yet lively atmosphere, combined with the novelty of being on a boat, makes this event a standout favourite for those looking for something truly special.

And there you have it – some fantastic event ideas to kick off 2025 in true Kiwi style! We’ll be sharing more tips and tricks on planning and creating top-quality events throughout the year, so keep an eye on our blog.

If you’re on the hunt for a ticketing platform, TryBooking has everything you need to make event planning a breeze. It’s easy to use, packed with features, and won’t break the bank – the perfect solution for organising your next event.

Need a hand getting started? Our friendly Customer Service team is here to help, whether it’s brainstorming ideas or giving your setup a quick once-over. Shoot us an email or give us a bell – we’re always happy to help!