If you’ve ever had teens staying in Wānaka over New Year, you’ll know it’s a world of its own. Between the crowds, the late nights, and the energy that comes with the season, it can feel both exciting and daunting. One local family hosted groups of boys from Years 11–13 for seven summers. Their story offers a reassuring, practical look at what helped them get through it.

Their biggest lesson? Start talking early. Before the boys even arrived, they contacted every parent, most of whom they’d never met, to agree on expectations around alcohol, curfews, and how the group would be supervised. It felt awkward, but it set a clear foundation. Everyone knew the rules, and everyone followed the same ones.

They also learned not to do it alone. Having another couple or two extra parents staying made all the difference. It spread the load and meant boundaries didn’t fall to one tired adult at midnight.

There were a few non-negotiables. No alcohol brought from home. Any drinks were bought by the hosts as part of the general shop (paid for by the teens, of course). Drinking only happened alongside food, usually at dinner, after a full day outdoors. Days were structured on purpose, walking up Mt Iron, swimming, bridge-jumping, backyard cricket, tennis, cards, anything to burn energy and keep spirits high.

The boys stayed in tents, cooked breakfast on the BBQ, and were responsible for dishes, bathrooms, and quick showers. Everyone ate together morning and night. Curfew meant they all met at the skatepark at 1am, then came home together. The hosts always offered pick-ups, even though they lived close by. It was never worth the risk of letting exhausted teens wander home.

There were missteps. Stray kids turned up, police knocked on the door, and a few very sick teenagers needed rescuing. But the boys always talked, even when they’d had a rough night. Those late-night debriefs, food, water, coffee, and the “big chair chat” where they shared the evening gossip with the adults became their favourite part.

Their message to other parents? Be clear, be involved, and be willing to work with the other adults in your teen’s world. It’s not about perfection. It’s about getting everyone home safe.

A simple checklist for parents planning to host teens at New Year in Wānaka

Before they arrive

• Talk with the other parents early — agree on boundaries, alcohol expectations, and supervision.
• Make sure everyone understands the same rules apply to every teen.
• Confirm communication plans with both parents if families are separated.
• Decide who is responsible for transport, shopping, and check-ins.

While they’re staying

• Share the load — have another couple or two adults staying as support.
• Set a rule of no alcohol from home; all drinks bought together and accompanied by food.
• Keep days structured: exercise, swimming, walks, sport, lake time, and activities that burn energy.
• Encourage teens to sort their own gear: tent set-up, bedding, and their share of chores.
• Eat together morning and night; make dishes, bathrooms, and quick showers part of the routine.
• Set a clear curfew and meet-up point (e.g., skatepark at 1am).

Offer pick-ups and drop-offs, no matter the distance, it’s safer and teens won’t always judge when they’re too tired.

When things go wrong

• Expect mistakes — stay calm, stay available.
• Look out for strays or unwell kids and be prepared to help.
• If police become involved, treat them as partners in keeping everyone safe.

Before they leave

• Have a quick conversation about the plan for the night ahead.
• Make sure no one drives after a big New Year’s Eve; late nights and long trips don’t mix.

You’ll find practical tips, conversation starters, and planning tools on the Safe Summer Wānaka campaign page.

Support them to have a brilliant time, and a safe one, and in being a legend, not a liability.

Anonymous - Parent lived experience