The world has officially stepped into 2026, with New Zealand becoming the first country to welcome the New Year. Thousands gathered in Auckland as colourful fireworks burst into the sky, marking the start of the year amid light rain.

Midnight struck in Auckland, officially ushering in 2026 with a spectacular downtown fireworks display. The celebration featured a rain of colours and lights launched from the iconic Sky Tower, New Zealand’s tallest structure.

Five-minute display

The five-minute fireworks show involved 3,500 fireworks fired from multiple levels of the 240-meter (787-foot) Sky Tower. Despite steady rain, thousands of people filled the city center to witness the first major New Year celebration in the world.

With a population of around 1.7 million, Auckland marked the arrival of 2026 18 hours before the famous ball drop in Times Square, USA. South Pacific nations were the first globally to bid farewell to 2025.

🇳🇿Auckland, New Zealand enters the 2026 New Year with fireworks at the Sky Tower. pic.twitter.com/URZQvsH1MC
— Crannofonix (@CrannofonixNews) December 31, 2025

While the main Auckland event went ahead, smaller community celebrations across New Zealand’s North Island were canceled. Authorities cited forecasts of rain and possible thunderstorms as the reason for calling off local events.

Sydney prepares for New Year

Across the Tasman Sea, Sydney was set to welcome 2026 two hours after New Zealand. A grand celebration was scheduled at Sydney Harbour, with fireworks planned for 6pm Pakistan time.

Before the fireworks, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was to be illuminated in memory of victims of the Bondi Beach attack. The Dec 14 shooting, Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years, left 15 people dead and 40 wounded after two gunmen targeted a Hanukkah celebration.

Celebrations continue across region

Despite the somber backdrop in Australia, preparations across the region highlighted resilience and remembrance. As fireworks lit the skies in Auckland, the world’s journey into 2026 officially began.