New Zealand getting ready for New Year's Eve

WELLINGTON, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand cities geared up for New Year celebration on Thursday with street parties, bands and fireworks.

The southern city of Dunedin began its New Year party in the city center of Octagon at 7:30 p.m.

Christchurch is expecting more than 15,000 people in Cathedral Square and Wellington's New Year celebration will include free style unicycling displays.

Wellington police are warning binge drinking may leave party-goers vulnerable to crime.

New Zealand's largest city of Auckland will be treated to a huge pyrotechnic display.

New Year's Eve celebrations in Queenstown are expected to draw a crowd of about 10,000 on Thursday night.

Free concerts are being held in both Queenstown and Wanaka's waterfront areas and will involve bands and a fireworks display at midnight.