New Zealand first to greet New Year

As the first country in the world to welcome in the new year, people in New Zealand have geared up for the New Year celebration with fireworks, street parties and bands.

Auckland, which is about 500 kilometers west of the International Date Line, will be the first major city in the world to greet the New Year.

As the country's largest city, it is treating residents to a stunning fireworks display on Thursday night. The southern city of Dunedin begins its New Year party in the city center of Octagon at 7:30 p.m.

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

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

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