RING IN THE NEW YEAR

What’s on

Wellington Waterfront Fireworks

❚ Where: Whairepo Lagoon, Frank Kitts Park, Wellington Waterfront.

❚ When: December 31; 8pm-midnight.

❚ How much: Free.

Get your friends and wha¯nau together, grab a seat and get ready to celebrate the new year with great music, food trucks and fireworks. The Julie Lamb band will kick off the musical festivities, followed by Orchestra Wellington, playing all your favourite rock tunes to keep you dancing until the blast of fireworks at midnight. For wee ones who can’t make it to midnight there will be a special countdown for children at 9pm with some fireworks.

WATCH THE SUNRISE New Year Day Sunrise Walk

❚ Where: Starting from Aro St, Aro Valley, Wellington.

❚ When: January 1; 5am-8am.

❚ How much: Free

Kick off 2018 with a sunrise walk to one of the most beautiful views of Wellington - the WWII gun emplacements near the Wellington Wind Turbine. Those not up for a long walk are welcome to park at Ashton Fitchett Drive at around 5.40am and join in for the final 500m to the bunkers. The walk, organised by Thrive Pilates, is open to anyone, and dogs.

PRIORITISE PLAY Visit the city’s playgrounds

❚ Where: Various locations around Wellington city and beyond.

❚ When: 24/7

❚ How much: Free

There are 105 playgrounds within parks throughout Wellington, ranging in size and play equipment. Some are classic swingsand-slides parks, while others have elaborate climbing frames. For a list of locations, check out wellington.govt.nz/recreation.