New Zealand Ushers in the New Year with Spectacular Fireworks Display | WATCH

New Zealand rang in 2025 with a spectacular fireworks display, becoming one of the first countries in the world to celebrate the New Year, while many around the globe are still bidding farewell to 2024. Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, was at the heart of the celebration, with the iconic Sky Tower lighting up the sky in a breathtaking show. The city marked the start of the New Year as the first major city in the world to do so.

People flocked to downtown Auckland and many climbed the city’s volcanic peaks to get the best view of the fireworks, which were organized to honor the indigenous tribes, according to the Associated Press.

New Zealand, along with other South Pacific nations, welcomed 2025 nearly 18 hours ahead of the ball drop in New York’s Times Square, with midnight occurring first in Auckland. Following Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra in Australia are also set to usher in the New Year. Later, Queensland and Northern Australia will celebrate as well.

Over a million people are expected to gather at Sydney Harbour for its grand fireworks show, where British pop star Robbie Williams will lead a singalong, alongside indigenous performances that pay tribute to the land’s original inhabitants, as reported by the Associated Press.

The last locations to ring in the New Year will be the uninhabited islands of Baker and Howland, southwest of Hawaii. By the time these islands experience New Year’s celebrations, it will already be January 2 for most of the world. In Jakarta, New Year celebrations will also feature a dazzling firework and drone show with 800 drones.