New Zealand is one of the first countries to observe the New Year, on January 1. New Year’s Day and the Day after the New Year are public holidays throughout the country.
Due to its geographical position close to the International Date Line, New Zealand is one of the first countries in the world to welcome the New Year. Many people use New Year’s Day to relax after celebrating New Year’s Eve and the countdown to the New Year. Some people visit family and friends, while others attend events such as New Year’s Day horse racing carnivals and summer day fairs. Cricket is a sporting event that many New Zealanders watch during the New Year’s Day holiday.
New Year’s Day is a statutory public holiday in New Zealand, so schools, government offices, and many private businesses are closed. New Year’s Day is also in the middle of the school summer holidays in New Zealand.