The stage is set for the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations on the Wānaka lakefront.

The free event - organised by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) on behalf of locals and visitors - kicks off at 2.00pm with family-friendly entertainment at the Dinosaur Park.

There will be face painting, roaming entertainers, and games until 4.30pm.

At the main stage on the Ardmore Street layby there will be a line up of great bands from 8pm - Superficial, Wānaka Project, and the Mandates - and DJs to get everyone pumped for a fireworks display at midnight.

As in previous years, there’ll be safe zones from today (Monday December 29) through to New Year’s morning thanks to Red Frogs volunteers. 

These are available for people looking for some time out, water or anyone who might need a bit of TLC.

A number of road closures will be in place: the Ardmore Street ‘Log Cabin layby’ from 6pm until midnight on Monday and Tuesday, and from 8am to 3pm on Wednesday; Ardmore Street from Dungarvon St to Lakeside Road on Wednesday (New Year’s Eve) from 3pm to 3am; and Helwick St from 3pm to 3am on Wednesday.

QLDC said the busy holiday season offers “a timely reminder for everyone to look out for each other, enjoy themselves responsibly and be aware of alcohol-free areas around the district”. 

Read more: Youth, alcohol and safety in Wānaka this New Year

Read more: Safe Summer in Wānaka: Path Wānaka campaign for teens and visitors

The entire Wānaka CBD is alcohol-free round-the-clock from 6.00am Christmas Day until 6.00am on January 6. 

This is in addition to the alcohol-free areas from 6.00pm-6.00am every day of the year in both the Wānaka and Hāwea CBDs. Find more details here.

QLDC thanked local suppliers, security and traffic management contractors, emergency services, and Red Frogs NZ for helping to stage the New Year’s event.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App