Thousands of people are taking to the bars, lake front and festivals around Wanaka ahead of the New Year's Eve countdown.
People on the lake front who were enjoying the sunny 27degC afternoon have now swapped their togs for jackets.
There is a strong police presence around the main streets of Wanaka, and many families are among the crowd of about a thousand gathering to watch the free fireworks display at the lake front.
At The Branding Music Festival Sergeant Derek Ealson said the crowd of about 1500 were behaving well.
"So far it has been well managed. There have been no arrests yet.
"People are enjoying their time in Central Otago."
Luggate fire brigade member, and festival medic, Peter Dynes agreed the event had been managed well.
"What we have treated people for has all been very minor.
"It has been a good day," Mr Dynes said.
Organiser of the music festival Sarah Perriam said she was ''absolutely stoked with the turnout, the weather and the loyalty of the people involved with the event".
Festival-goers who spoke to the Otago Daily Times came from as far afield as England.
Earlier, hundreds of people took to the waters of Lake Wanaka as temperatures reached the late 20s by 3pm.
Amid the family picnics and swimmers, the finishing touches were being put on the stage for the tonight's lake front celebrations.
Sound Technician Boyd Williamson said assembly of the stage had taken two days.
He expected thousands of "mainly teenagers" to attend the free event which started at 8pm.
About 6000 people are attending the second day of the Rhythm and Alps music festival in the Cardrona Valley.
Festival co-founder and director Alex Turnbull said he was happy with how the event had gone so far.
''There have been no arrests. Everyone has been pretty well behaved so far.
''It's a pretty nice vibe here," Mr Turnbull said.
St John Central Otago territory manager Kelvin Perriman said 40 people had been treated for "minor" injuries at the event.
"Overall it has been really good.
"We have transported three people off-site for treatment but all of the others have been bee stings, sprained ankles, that sort of thing."
- Margot Taylor
