As midnight struck across the Pacific, New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, became one of the first major urban centres to welcome 2026, lighting up the skyline with a spectacular fireworks display from the iconic Sky Tower. Approximately 3,500 fireworks were launched from various levels of the 240-metre structure, creating a vibrant start to global New Year festivities, despite wet weather conditions in the city.
The celebrations in Auckland kicked off a wave of festivities around the world, with countries across the South Pacific and beyond joining in as different time zones entered the new year. Firework displays and community gatherings were reported in cities from Australia and Japan to Europe and the Americas as people rang in 2026 with joy, hope and colourful night skies.
New Year celebrations also reflected local sentiments, blending grand fireworks with moments of reflection and cultural expressions. As communities came together to celebrate, the start of 2026 offered a mix of optimism and festive spirit across continents.
