Visitors and residents have a range of options this evening (Thursday December 31) for New Year’s Eve.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council line up at the Lake Wānaka waterfront starts at 2pm with three hours of pre-entertainment, including face painting, roaming entertainers, and family friendly games including hula hooping and a bouncy castle.

From 8pm until 1am the line up at the main stage includes bands Better Than Nothing, Hamiltones, and The Execs.

A second DJ stage offers JACKED drum and bass until 1am. 

The Hāwea Hotel has free live music on New Year’s Eve. PHOTO: Supplied

There will be a fireworks display at midnight.

Volunteer group Red Frogs will provide support and a ‘chill out zone’ in central Wanaka from December 29-31.

The Hāwea Hotel has free live music every day until January 3.

Music on New Year’s Eve goes from 4pm to 1pm, with Tess & Rick, Jaydin Shingleton, and the Cam Scott band. 

New Zealand’s biggest New Year’s festival, Rhythm & Alps, started welcoming festival goers on Tuesday (December 29) to the Cardrona Valley, and the last act finishes on Thursday December 31.

Rhythm & Alps has a sold out crowd in the Cardrona Valley. PHOTO: Supplied

The sold out show features Kiwi heavyweights SIX60, Fat Freddy’s Drop, The Phoenix Foundation, Shihad and many more. 

Police are preparing for a similar number of party goers in town as in previous years and, with 37 additional staff in the Wanaka area, police will be a visible presence on the roads, in the main centres and at holiday hot spots.

“We want people to have a good time but we also want everyone to stay safe,” Wanaka area response senior sergeant Miriam Chittenden said.

A police spokesperson told the Wanaka App if you are a parent or caregiver and there are young people drinking at your place, make sure they are supervised at all times: Parents and caregivers could face fines of up to $2,000 if they supply alcohol to under-age and unsupervised teenagers.

All adults getting festive with some drinks over New Years must have a plan. 

“Please look out for your mates and plan ahead to make sure you have a safe way home at the end of the night.” Miriam said. “If you’re drinking, organise a sober driver or make use of public transport or courtesy coaches.”