New Zealand welcomes 2021 with giant public fireworks display

New Zealand has managed to practically eliminate the coronavirus

Thousands attended firework displays in Auckland, as the New Zealand capital said goodbye to 2020. Crowds gathered at the harbour foreshore to welcome in the new year at 11am GMT. Revellers were allowed to mingle freely as New Zealand has managed to practically eliminate coronavirus, thanks to a strick seven-week lockdown, and border closures. An impressive firework display burst from Auckland's SkyTower, and Vector lights shown on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

VIDEO: ?? New Zealand's largest city #Auckland waves goodbye to 2020 with a New Year's Eve fireworks display at the iconic Sky Tower at its central business district #HappyNewYear #HappyNewYear2021 pic.twitter.com/NMO1GMkgr5

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 31, 2020

Over in Australia, Sydney witnessed a similarly spectacular display - but without the crowds. Like most countries, coronavirus restrictions have severely impacted New Years Eve celebrations. Sydney residents were only permitted to enter the city entre if they had restaurant reservations, or were one of five guests of an inner-city home.

Happy New Year from Australia ? Sydney Harbour dazzles with fireworks as it enters 2021 pic.twitter.com/m6et2lceRJ

— Bloomberg Quicktake (@Quicktake) December 31, 2020

Last year millions flocked to see the Sydney display, but like many things in 2020, this year they had to settle for watching them at home on the television. Samoa was the first place to say goodbye to 2020, welcoming in the new year at 10 am GMT. In the UK, London's traditional New Years Eve firework display has been cancelled. It will be replaced with a special broadcast that can be watched on TV. "My message is to stay home this year and tune into BBC One for a New Year’s Eve spectacular," tweeted London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Boxing Day.

A reminder that there’s no live New Year’s Eve event to attend in London this year.

With cases continuing to rise in the capital, my message is to stay home this year and tune into BBC One for a New Year’s Eve spectacular. #LondonTogether — Mayor of London (gov.uk/coronavirus) (@MayorofLondon) December 26, 2020