Kiwis around the country are partying to farewell 2020 and welcome in the new year.
Thousands of people are in Victoria St West in central Auckland and got a close-up view for the fireworks display that went off at midnight from the Sky Tower.
The crowd around the Sky Tower screamed with excitement at 11.45pm when a man on the public address system announced: "We only have 15 minutes".
In the lead-up to midnight, the Sky Tower was adorned with colourful animated laser displays of geometric shapes and animals including a green gecko which appeared to be climbing down the 328m tall tower.
Music blasted around SkyCity on the entertainment centre's speakers included Kiwi drinking anthem Bliss by Sir Dave Dobbyn's band Th'Dudes and a remix of an ABBA hit where the lead singer declares "Gimme gimme gimme a man after midnight".
A light display on the Harbour Bridge also illuminated the city's skyline.
The MC at the Viaduct had been hyping up the crowd, even going as far as to suggest there was still time to find a cheeky "New Year's pash".
He added it was amazing we were able to celebrate the way we are in New Zealand.
"It feels lucky but it also feels like we have earned this as well. We have done the mahi."
While firefighters have been called out to deal with a number of bonfires at beaches, partygoers have been mostly well behaved so far.
However riot police were called to the Whangamatā Surf Club where thousands of teenagers had gathered, with some gathered on the roof throwing bottles.
Relaxed revellers have been enjoying a variety of music and activities on offer with hundreds gathered at Silo Park.
Rasela Aukuso, 18, was with her mum Taufau Aukuso and said she counted New Zealand "so lucky" that we could enjoy more freedoms than others.
She hoped that the borders would open again in the new year so she can visit family in Samoa and Australia.
"We are very blessed to be in New Zealand," her mother added.
