More than 800 people converged on the Kaka Point foreshore to welcome in the 2012 new year on Saturday night.
The band Raging Bull, a barbecue and a bouncy castle kept the crowds entertained, with more people flocking to the foreshore as the bonfire was lit shortly before 10pm.
Unofficial fireworks were let off around Kaka Point from about 10.30pm, with the main display on the foreshore beginning at midnight. Bystanders also released paper lanterns into the clear sky.
The warm weather drew a cheerful crowd, with the bonfire keeping people's spirits high as the sun set.
Senior Sergeant Jane Whitmore, of Balclutha, said the crowd had been well behaved and no arrests were made.
However, she said many young people with alcohol had been dropped off by parents or came by themselves despite those under 18 being required to be under parental supervision if drinking alcohol.
