The best places to celebrate the 2020 New Year in New Zealand

Ring in 2020 with some of New Zealand’s best parties...

Every day, about four hours before most of us drag our sorry a** out of bed and put the kettle on, a natural phenomenon occurs. The sun rises. This has been described as ‘pretty bloody beautiful’ by Insta captions around the globe, and if there’s only one day a year when you’re not up early enough, but up late enough to see it, let that be January 1st. Be amongst the first in the world (shout out to NZ and the solar system), to see this occur before the smog gets so heavy you can't see through it. Here are the best places to do exactly that this December 31st 2019:  

HIGHLIFE NEW YEARS EVE
ASCENSION WINE ESTATE - MATAKANA
DECEMBER 31st 2019 

After a two-year hiatus, Highlife Entertainment is back with its famous New Year’s Eve Festival experience at a new venue this December 31st! Live the high life (literally) by bringing in the new year on the beautiful Matakana Coast. Held at the iconic Ascension Wine Estate you'll be surrounded by lush gram-worthy greenery and extra decor sure to give all non-attendees some serious FOMO. Revel in the occasion with international and local live acts, DJ’s, dancers, performers, gourmet food, craft beverages, multiple areas to explore, lots of good people and a heart-stopping fireworks display to welcome in the next decade! If you’re after a little luxury the VIP tickets allow for private DJ’s and secluded lounges with private bathrooms and attendants on hand. Don’t hesitate to purchase your tickets as the event sells out yearly!

RHYTHM AND VINES
WAIOHIKA ESTATE, GISBORNE, NZ
DECEMBER 29 - 31 2019

Be the first in the world to see the sunrise on the new decade first in Gisborne's own Rhythm and Vines. Selling out capacity with 21,000 attendees annually it's become a right of passage amongst many young Kiwi’s. RNV allows for premium upgrade purchases so you can go from having to pitch your own tent in the dirt to having a full glamping experience in beautiful white teepees and a bed that isn't hollow. The carefree anything-goes atmosphere at Rhythm and Vines is something everybody must experience.

RHYTHM AND ALPS
CARDRONA ALPINE RESORT, CARDRONA
DECEMBER 28-31 2019

Sister festival to Rhythm and Vines, Rhythm and Alps is situated in the heart of the …... being the South Islands answer to the New Year festivities. The first line up has just been announced with Wilkinson headlining the event once again. Because would it really be Rhythm without hearing Afterglow? Rhythm and Alps exclusively allow for the campervan upgrade. So hire your Juicy and roadie down to Wanaka with your clique this summer. Combining world-class bands, DJ’s and festival-goers together, to bring in the New Year with a bang.

WONDERGARDEN
SILO PARK, AUCKLAND
DECEMBER 31st

If you're tied to the city of Auckland over the New Year period, make the most of it by attending Silo Park’s Wondergarden. You may almost forget you're in the city centre amongst the yachts, sea and landscaping that surrounds Silo Park. Last years lineup included some big local names such as Katchafire, Jess B and Lady 6. Which if that is anything to go by this year is sure to match. Available also are all the best Auckland eats if food is a selling point including Double Dutch Fries, Ramen Takara and Judge Bao.