The Pacific will be the first in the world to usher in 2024, with fireworks shows and outdoor gatherings.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Kiribati's largest island, Kiritimati, home to about 5000 people, is the first inhabited island to begin each new year, however, no major events are planned.
The Chatham Islands, part of New Zealand's territory, will ring in 2024 15 minutes later (1015 GMT).
The islands, about 800km east of NZ's South Island, are home to some 700 people.
The landmarks of NZ's largest city, Auckland, will be lit up as it becomes the first major international centre to welcome 2024.
Fireworks will light up the Sky Tower, along with a laser light and animation show synchronised with other landmarks including Auckland's Harbour Bridge.
The five-minute and 30-second-long Sky Tower fireworks display - the highest in the Southern Hemisphere - will start with a 10-second countdown projected onto the base of the tower before 500kg of pyrotechnics are launched.
SkyCity chief operating officer Callum Mallett said watching the fireworks cascade from the Sky Tower had become a tradition for many families.
"It's a time when people come together to celebrate the upcoming year and enjoy time with friends and family," he said.
"New Zealand is the first in the world to bring in the new year, and we are delighted to play a part in those celebrations."
The Pacific country's capital Wellington will also put on fireworks and music at an inner city lagoon.
At the same time, two separate fireworks displays in Samoa, one in the capital Apia, and the other in Savai'i, will signal the start of the new year.
The displays will be synchronised by NZ pyrotechnic experts and fired simultaneously from both islands at the stroke of midnight.
Sydney, which is two hours behind NZ and Samoa, will then steal the spotlight with festivities on its iconic harbour.
A million people are set to take in the view as a massive firework display lights up the sky at midnight.
American Samoa, just 220km to the east of Samoa on the other side of the International Date Line, will be the last to ring in 2024.
Australian Associated Press
