SkyCity invites New Zealanders to welcome 2026 with an iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks display. The Sky Tower will illuminate Tāmaki Makaurau as one of the first major cities in the world to ring in the new year.
For the first time, the Sky Tower will also showcase a selection of special moments submitted by the public, projected in the lead up to midnight. From milestone birthdays to first smiles, the images capture the moments that shaped 2025 and highlight what mattered most.
Lasers and projections will be displayed on the Sky Tower from 9.00 pm, leading into the midnight countdown and fireworks.
The five-minute fireworks display will launch from the Sky Tower at midnight, following a countdown projected onto the tower. Fireworks and lighting will be synchronised to a 91.8 More FM soundtrack, creating a shared midnight moment for audiences in Auckland and across the country.
The fireworks display is the highest in the Southern Hemisphere. More than 500 kilograms of fireworks and 3,500 individual shots will launch in a 360-degree pattern from three firing levels on the Sky Tower. Fireworks will soar up to 80 metres above the tower, reaching a combined height of 320 metres above ground.
Pyrostar International Artistic Director Robert McDermott says that delivering the Sky Tower fireworks is a highlight for the team each year.
“Our team is honoured to once again perform from such an iconic New Zealand landmark. For us, these displays go far beyond fireworks. They are about creating a shared experience that lights up the city, brings people together, and leaves a lasting positive impression,” says McDermott.
The display follows six months of planning and design, with more than 1.6 tonnes of equipment installed across the tower, 14 kilometres of cabling, and over 1,500 programmed firing cues using a computer-controlled system.
For viewers at home, the countdown and midnight moment will be broadcast live on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ 2, with a livestream available on the
SkyCity website and across SkyCity’s social channels.
Note:
The safety and enjoyment of our community are our top priorities. We have a plan in place to delay the Sky Tower fireworks if wind speeds exceed our safety limits.
High winds can pose a risk to the public and our operations team, and can affect the precision and visual quality of the display.
Decisions will be guided by real-time weather assessments and advice from our experts.
If a delay is necessary, we will share updates promptly via our social media channels.
