New Year’s Eve celebrations for 2026 in central Auckland
Auckland Council group is proud to partner with SkyCity and Vector Lights once again this year to host New Year’s Eve celebrations in the city centre, as Tāmaki Makaurau leads the way to welcome in 2026.
In the hours before midnight, a collection of ‘special moments’ will shine on the Sky Tower from 9pm, leading up to the iconic midnight fireworks display. New Zealander’s are being invited to submit their favourite photo memory for SkyCity to feature in this show.
Auckland Harbour Bridge will come to life from 9pm, thanks to Vector Lights, allowing time to find good viewing spots for a brand-new dynamic light and sound show that starts in the minutes before midnight.
Roaming performers will move along Queen Street and the downtown waterfront ahead of midnight, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Large crowds are expected to gather into the evening, so please allow plenty of time for travel and plan well ahead using public transport, shared rides and taxis.
Traffic access to the central city and Wynyard Quarter will be limited. Many roads will be reserved for pedestrians from 10pm on 31 December to 1am on 1 January (see map for more detail below).
Following the highly-anticipated countdown to midnight, a spectacular fireworks display is set to bring the SkyCity tower to life and the Auckland Harbour Bridge will shine in a dazzling display of light and colour – both synchronised to a MoreFM 91.8FM playlist of the top songs from 2025.
Aucklanders outside the city centre may wish to view the fireworks and lightshow from nearby maunga, which will remain open until after midnight with security in place:
• Maungawhau / Mt Eden
• Maungauika / North Head
• Ōhinerau / Mt Hobson
• Takarunga / Mt Victoria
• Maungarei / Mt Wellington.
A reminder please that alcohol and fireworks are banned to protect these beautiful sites.
For all those wishing to celebrate from the comfort of home, TVNZ will broadcast the countdown and NYE midnight moment live on TVNZ 1 and 2. Footage will be streamed online with SkyCity.
New Year’s Eve travel tips:
- Please be patient when approaching and leaving the city as traffic delays are likely.
- Plan your trip and arrange a safe ride home before heading out – trains are not running but replacement bus services are available.
- Buses and ferries will operate on a Saturday timetable, with additional buses running after midnight. Use the Auckland Transport mobile app or Journey Planner for travel options.
- The last ferry will leave downtown Auckland for Devonport and Matiatia, Waiheke Island at 12:15am; to Pine Harbour at 12:45am; from Devonport to downtown Auckland at 12:30am; and from Matiatia, Waiheke Island to downtown Auckland at 1am.
- Contactless payment options will be available to catch a bus or ferry home.
- The southbound clip-on lanes (lanes 1 & 2) of the Auckland Harbour Bridge will be closed on New Year’s Eve, including the off-ramp to Shelly Beach Road. Access will be available from Westhaven Drive through to Shelly Beach Road.
Important reminders:
- Please use the extra rubbish bins and porta-loos provided to keep the city centre clean.
- Additional toilets will be located on Elliot Street, Queens Wharf, and Karanga Plaza, and existing public toilets in the city centre will remain open.
- Medical support and first aid will be available at Te Komititanga Square, 205 Queen Street, Karanga Plaza and in the SkyCity precinct.
- Enjoy yourself responsibly – outside bars and restaurants, the streets are alcohol-free.
- Security guards and safety wardens will support police throughout New Year’s Eve to ensure celebrations run smoothly.
- Stay connected – take a fully charged phone to capture the countdown!
- If severe weather arises and looks likely to impact safety, activities may be cancelled – check if in doubt.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
