Asia the place to be for New Year's Eve

Jessica Weller is off to exotic places. Photo / Janna Dixon

Asia is the place to party this New Year's Eve, with a dramatic spike in cheap flight sales to Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.

House of Travel commercial manager Brent Thomas said flights from New Zealand to Asia had had huge growth throughout the year, and it was expected to continue this month.

Singapore had the largest increase, with 41 per cent more sales than last year, followed by Thailand (34 per cent), Malaysia (31 per cent) and Indonesia (12 per cent).

"The whole of Asia has had a significant increase this year which I would put down to the pricing [of flights], and we will have a good December compared to last year with places like Phuket and Bali," Thomas said.

Asian destinations had knocked Australia off its perch with flights across the Tasman dropping 1 per cent, he said.

"People see fantastic value in those trips to Asia. The airfares are more expensive than to go to Australia but once you get there, the value customers are getting is extraordinary, including eating out, activities you do and the places you stay."

Webjet managing director John Guscic said customers were booking more "short, sharp" last-minute trips to Asia for New Year's celebrations.

Intermediate teacher Jessica Weller flew to Southeast Asia yesterday and will spend New Year's Eve in Thailand.

Weller and a friend will meet up with three others in Koh Phangan to experience the popular full moon party.

"So many Kiwis and Australians will be there ... it's more like going to Whitianga because everyone from here will be there, which also makes it more comfortable and I feel a bit safer when Kiwis and Australians are around," Weller said.

She said the three-week trip would cost about $4000, including $1540 for a return ticket, five-star accommodation, food and activities.

"Feedback I've got from friends reckon it is the best place to start your travels because it's not Third-World but it's not rich either, so it's cheap and you can afford to splash out a bit."

Meanwhile, those staying in New Zealand can enjoy celebrations around the country ranging from family evenings with fireworks to boozy dance raves.

Popular spots include Gisborne's Rhythm and Vines, Coromandel's Coro Gold and Queenstown's Earthtonz.