New Zealand First to Welcome 2026 with Spectacular Fireworks in Auckland

The world officially stepped into 2026 as New Zealand became the first country to welcome the New Year, with a dazzling fireworks display lighting up the skies over Auckland despite rainy weather.

As the clock struck midnight, thousands of people gathered in Auckland’s city centre to witness a vibrant fireworks show launched from the iconic Sky Tower, New Zealand’s tallest structure. The colourful celebration marked the first major New Year event globally, setting the tone for festivities around the world.

Sky Tower hosts five-minute fireworks display

The five-minute display featured approximately 3,500 fireworks, fired from multiple levels of the 240-metre (787-foot) Sky Tower. Showers of colour and light cascaded across the skyline as crowds braved steady rain to take part in the historic moment.

With a population of nearly 1.7 million, Auckland welcomed 2026 18 hours ahead of New York’s Times Square ball drop, once again highlighting New Zealand’s position at the forefront of global New Year celebrations. Several South Pacific nations also bid farewell to 2025 shortly after.

Weather disrupts regional celebrations

While the main Auckland event went ahead as planned, authorities cancelled several smaller community celebrations across the North Island. Officials cited forecasts of heavy rain and potential thunderstorms as the reason for precautionary cancellations.

Sydney prepares for New Year amid remembrance

Across the Tasman Sea, Sydney was set to welcome 2026 two hours after New Zealand, with a major fireworks display planned over Sydney Harbour. The celebrations were scheduled to begin at 6pm Pakistan time.

Ahead of the fireworks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was to be illuminated in remembrance of victims of the Bondi Beach attack. The tragic incident on December 14, described as Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly three decades, claimed 15 lives and left 40 people injured after gunmen targeted a Hanukkah gathering.

A resilient start to 2026

Despite weather challenges and moments of reflection across the region, the celebrations symbolised resilience and unity. As fireworks lit up Auckland’s skyline, the world’s journey into 2026 officially began, with millions more preparing to welcome the New Year in the hours that followed.