Countries in the South Pacific Ocean are the first to ring in the New Year, with midnight in New Zealand striking 18 hours before the ball drop in

New Zealand has become one of the very first countries in the world to ring in 2025. Fireworks erupted from Auckland’s Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the nation, to welcome the New Year. It was an hour before that the Pacific island nation of Kiribati celebrated the arrival of January 1 as the clock struck midnight.

Auckland in New Zealand was among the first major cities in the world to usher in New Year 2025 on Tuesday as thousands enjoyed a dazzling fireworks display at the iconic Sky Tower. The annual fireworks illuminated the night sky as huge crowds gathered at the city's Central Business District (CBD) took part in the celebrations.