Council events | Music

NYE25

Ōtautahi Christchurch! NYE25 – powered with Hydrate by IHF, is your biggest free NYE party, and it's back with Kora - one of New Zealand’s most electrifying live acts.

NYE25
Event info
Contact
Christchurch City Council
Email
eventsproduction@ccc.govt.nz
Phone
03 941 8999
Ticket pricing

Free event

NYE25 – powered with Hydrate by IHF, has never looked better.

New Year's Eve will be headlined by Kora, one of New Zealand’s most electrifying live acts, with an enduring career and legacy that resonates across the generations. Joining the lineup are top Kiwi talents Dillastrate, Brad Staley and DJ Sambora, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. 

To top things off, we'll wrap up the night and welcome in 2026 with an epic fireworks display.  

The best part... entry is free. Entry into the event will close at 11.45pm. 

This is a smoke-free, vape-free and alcohol-free event (24-hour liquor ban). For quick entry, don’t bring a bag as these may be searched upon entry. No glass allowed. 

What you can and can't bring in

Before entry, all eventgoers must agree to a bag search.  
 

You can't bring in 

  • Beverages of any kind, including alcohol
  • Illicit drugs
  • Dangerous goods and weapons
  • Animals (except service animals)
  • Offensive signs or banners
  • Gang insignia
  • Glass
  • Drones
  • Bags larger than 30cm x 30cm
  • Scooters and bikes
  • You can bring in 

    • Small chairs and blankets
    • Self-packaged non-commercial food items (non-liquid items)
    • Sunscreen
    • Prams and baby products
    • Cameras (personal use only)
    • Empty water bottles can be filled on-site
    • Food and drink
      • This is an alcohol-free event.
      • There will be a range of tasty food vendors on-site to keep you fed throughout the night.
      • Eftpos is available.
      • No drinks, liquids, or glass are permitted into the NYE25 event.
      • Empty water bottles can be filled at our free water stations on-site. 
      • Getting there

        Driving

        • The Botanic Gardens Armagh Street car park will be closed to all traffic from 3.30pm with an alternative (exit only) via Riccarton Ave. This exit will be monitored by security for vehicle wayfinding and the safety of pedestrians using the paths in the park.
        • The drop-off point is on Rolleston Avenue, near Cathedral Grammar.
        • Use our interactive map(external link) to easily find central city parking.
           
        • Biking or scootering

          • Bike stands will be located inside the Armagh Street entrance to Hagley Park.
          • Scooter parking will be available on Park Terrace.
             
          • Busing

            • Metro buses will operate on the Saturday timetable this New Year’s Eve. Find info on bus routes here: https://www.metroinfo.co.nz/(external link).
            • Mobility parking will be on Chester Street West, off Park Terrace, from 3pm for those displaying a mobility pass.
            • General
              • The event is smoke and vape–free.
              • There is a 24-hour alcohol ban around the event. If you carry or consume alcohol in the streets around the event site, or within Hagley Park you won’t be permitted entry, and risk being fined.
              • Please respect Hagley Park and its neighbours so that we can continue staging events here.
              • While we do our best to communicate as much as possible, event operators may change these conditions of entry at short or no notice for your safety and security.
              • Get to know the line up

                Kora

                Kora returns ready to ignite the stage this New Year’s Eve with a sound that’s bigger, deeper, and more electrifying than ever. With a long-awaited album and national tour on the horizon, the iconic Aotearoa band continues to captivate fans old and new with their genre-defying fusion of roots, reggae, funk, rock, dub, and electronica. Grounded in kaupapa Māori and driven by storytelling, groove, and innovation, Kora’s explosive live energy and bass-heavy anthems like “Politician,” “Burning,” and “On My Mind” have earned them double Platinum success and a reputation as one of the country’s most formidable live acts. Their current lineup blends founding members with powerhouse talent from across the motu, delivering immersive performances that have lit up stages from Rhythm & Vines to WOMAD UK. With fresh hits and a renewed fire, Kora are set to make this NYE unforgettable.

                Dillastrate 

                Dillastrate are a force of nature – an explosive duo blending deep musicality with unmatched live energy. Born from the legacy of AHoriBuzz and featuring Henare 'H' Kaa and Tim Driver, these seasoned performers bring a high-octane fusion of drums, synths, loops, and vocals to the stage, transforming crowds into dancefloors within seconds. With international touring credits alongside legends like members of The Rolling Stones, and a reputation as one of Aotearoa’s most agile and electrifying live acts, Dillastrate have earned chart success, national TV features, and a strong digital presence. Their bilingual waiata, including hits like Ko Tātou Te Ahi and Party In My Head (Tāwara Ana), uplift te ao Māori and resonate across commercial and iwi radio. With a fresh run of hard-hitting releases and a finely tuned live setup, Dillastrate are set to bring the heat this New Year’s Eve.

                 

                Brad Staley

                Brad Staley is a rising force in Aotearoa’s country-rock scene, hailing from a rural upbringing on a military base near Lake Tekapo – a background that shaped his heartfelt love for traditional country legends like Johnny Cash and George Strait. Since picking up a guitar at nine and performing nationally by adolescence, he’s built a robust national profile with standout shows from the Great Kiwi Beer Festival to headlining stages across South and North Islands. His modern country fusion delivers soulful vocals and storytelling lyrics that echo classic roots while infusing contemporary flair, earning tens of thousands of Spotify streams and followers. Brad continues to thrill live audiences at festivals, pubs, and country events, carrying the spirit of rural Aotearoa into every performance.

                DJ Sambora

                Sambora aka Sam Trevethick brings over two decades of global experience as a producer, DJ, and founding member of Shapeshifter to the decks this New Year’s Eve. Known for his ability to read any crowd and deliver high-energy, genre-spanning sets from drum and bass to soul, house, and party classics, Sam’s performances are immersive, expertly crafted, and guaranteed to ignite the dancefloor. With a resume that includes festival mainstages, corporate events, and national broadcasts, Sam is set to bring serious vibes to the celebration.

                 

                A huge thanks to our sponsor - Hydrate by IHF. 

                 

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                Listing #13101 managed by ccc.