The resort's streets, bars and waterfront heaved with people.
Performers on two stages entertained the crowds before and after the final countdown.
Always the crowd favourite, this year's fireworks came thanks to Bill Falcone, whose display Queenstown harbourmaster Marty Black described as "probably the best we have ever seen".
Queenstown Lakes District Council's arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell said it was hard to tell how many people were at the waterfront, but gave a rough estimate of about 10,000.
"It was one of our biggest crowds and just a really good night; there was an amazing amount of people down there."
Meanwhile, up to 2000 people partied at the EarthTonz festival in the Gibbston Valley, seeing in the new year with Tommy Lee and DJ Aero's bass-heavy set, before dancing into the early hours.
Come daylight, pavements were cleaned, the last of the early-morning set could be seen heading home, replaced by bleary-eyed youths woken by the heat, and cars slowly started to stream back out of the resort as people cleared up camp.
Sergeant Steve Watt, of Queenstown, said the night's celebrations had resulted in 24 lock-ups.
"I believe last year we had 13, so it's slightly higher, but it's a number of minor offences ranging from breach of the liquor ban, disorderly behaviour, a few unlawfully on property and eight of those arrested for detoxification purposes."
It also included two men arrested and charged with drink-driving early yesterday, allegedly blowing 672mcg and 511mcg, with a 19-year-old man giving a reading of 290mcg at 9am. An Invercargill 17-year-old was also booked on Frankton Rd at 10am with a breath-alcohol level of 400mcg.
With no assaults or thefts reported, Sgt Watt said the resort had a "well-behaved crowd, here to enjoy themselves and have a good night out".
He said the same could be said for the EarthTonz music festival, with the only trouble coming from one male arrested early on Saturday and charged with disorderly behaviour.
