NYE: Fireworks, music and parties

NZ band Shapeshifter. Photo / Supplied

New Year's Eve celebrations are in full swing today, with music festivals, parties and fireworks displays happening in all parts of the country.

The 1885 Britomart Beach Party - from midnight to 6am - invites guests to dress in flip flops for a party with a variety of music including funk, reggae, jazz and hip hop.

The Caribbean New Year's Eve party, at Atico Cocina in Drake St, runs from 7pm to 2am. Tickets are $95 and include a five-course dinner and bubbles, with lots of music and great views of the city's midnight fireworks.

For those with children, a free family movie night will be held at Stanmore Bay Reserve, Brightside Rd, from 6pm until 10pm. There will be food stalls, bouncy castles and an outdoor cinema playing The Muppets Movie.

Those wishing to enjoy this year's Sky Tower fireworks have the choice of a number of vantage points, with the Auckland waterfront and Viaduct Harbour high on the list.

Another good spot for watching fireworks will be at Waiheke Island, where Decks on The Beach - MTW Waiheke New Year's Eve Party 2013 - will go off at the Dunes complex at Onetangi Beach. Music will range from finest house, hip hop, disco, jazz and rare groove, with artists including Darren Clark, Little Man Big, DJ Hudge and Monkey Boots.

Reggae lovers will be out in force at Papamoa Beach to see some of the country's hottest reggae acts, including Katchafire, Sons of Zion, Three Houses Down and Tomorrow People.

Popular festival Coromandel Gold - at Ohuka Farm - will also be buzzing with live music from Kiwi favourites, including Shapeshifter, Kora, Home Brew and Ladi6.