New Year's Eve celebrations went off without a hitch around Otago as people basked in the warmth and atmosphere while welcoming in 2016.
In Dunedin, entertainment was provided in the Octagon by bands, food and stalls, and culminated in a seven-minute, $12,000 fireworks display.
Dunedin City Council events co-ordinator Marilyn Anderson said thousands packed the central city, the most in about 14 years.
‘‘[People] seemed to be very happy,'' she said.
‘‘They were in very good heart. It was a wonderful crowd, with a with a high level of enjoyment.''
An estimated 12,000 to 15,000 packed Marine Parade and Earnslaw Park to take in a fireworks display in Queenstown, while thousands were on the Wanaka lakefront to witness 10 minutes of fireworks.
That included an estimated 5000 who attended a free concert beforehand. About 6000 people welcomed the new year at Cardrona Valley Rhythm and Alps festival.
Hundreds also celebrated at Pounawea in South Otago with a family picnic and fireworks.
No public events were held in Oamaru or the Waitaki Valley but people gathered at bars and camping grounds to celebrate.
Police in Dunedin made 15 arrests between 5pm on New Year's Eve and 7am yesterday for minor offences.
Crowds in Queenstown and Wanaka were well behaved overall, and there were only a few minor incidents. Eleven people were arrested in Queenstown and five in Wanaka and charged with disorder and alcohol-related offences.
Senior Sergeant Ian Temple, of Dunedin, said it was pleasing to see most people were out enjoying themselves responsibly.
‘‘The vast majority of people have taken on board the police's prevention messages - drinking alcohol responsibly and looking after their friends, to ensure that everyone gets home safely from a good night out.''
Crews were called to 10 fires around the region between 5pm on New Year's Eve and 7.20am yesterday.
A Fire Service spokesman said vegetation fires in Wanaka and two near Queenstown, started by fireworks, were small and easily extinguished.
A bonfire and a small hedge fire were also extinguished by Wanaka firefighters. Small grass fires were put out in Tarras and Cromwell.
A Lookout Point fire crew attended a deliberately lit rubbish bin fire in Corstorphine, Dunedin and a small fire in the backyard of a Northeast Valley property was put out by Willowbank firefighters.
A car fire in Alexandra about 9pm on New Year's Eve was being investigated by police.
