Thousands of people are expected to welcome in the New Year in holiday destinations around Otago.
Queenstown
A total liquor ban in Earnslaw Park is not expected to deter tens of thousands of people from converging on central Queenstown to welcome in 2015.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council's new alcohol ban bylaw, which came into effect on December 22, puts a 24-hour liquor ban during the holiday period in parts of Queenstown - including all of the CBD and waterfront - Wanaka, Arrowtown and Hawea.
Under the ban, it is prohibited to possess, consume or bring any alcohol to the specified areas.
Event organiser Craig Gallagher said there were no exemptions, and organisers were required to comply with the bylaw.
Anyone wanting to consume alcohol tomorrow night is spoiled for choice at Queenstown's bars, restaurants and pubs, but the Earnslaw Park event was ''targeting families''.
Two stages will be put up in the CBD and bands will play on the main Earnslaw Park stage from 7.30pm.
A separate stage for DJs at the Queenstown War Memorial arch, in Marine Pde provides entertainment from 10pm.
Road closures are in effect from 5pm tomorrow, affecting Rees St from Shotover St to Marine Pde; Marine Pde from Rees St to Church St; Beach St from Camp St to the Steamer Wharf; and all of Cow Lane.
Roads reopen at 3am on New Year's Day.
Wanaka
The lakefront in Ardmore St is the venue of choice for Wanaka people looking to join a crowd for New Year's Eve.
However, those intending to wander down there should leave their alcohol behind. A total liquor ban will be in effect.
Some roads will also be closed.
The lakefront New Year celebrations include free, live music provided by Oddity, Near Armageddon, Versificator and Devine.
The Lake Hawea Hotel hosts ''The Branding'' country festival with musicians including Jody Direen, of Wanaka.
Central Otago
In Central Otago, no major New Year's Eve events are planned. However, the Cromwell Harness Racing Trials at the Cromwell Racecourse are on during the day, and so is the Cromwell Swim Centre Pool Party, from 11.30am-2pm.
A visitors versus locals nine-hole golf stableford will be held tomorrow at the Patearoa Golf Club, as well.
Throughout the region, bars and hotels will provide live music.
It will be the second year in a row no public New Year's Eve parties are being held in the region, after Promote Dunstan called it quits on the Clyde street party.
People will be able to spend New Year's Day at the Picnic in the Park at Pioneer Park, Alexandra. The Promote Alexandra event provides family-friendly entertainment including music, a bouncy castle, and other children's activities.
Waitaki
No big public events are planned in Oamaru or the Waitaki Valley, and liquor bans are in place in Otematata and Omarama.
For entertainment, Sombrero Tuesdays will play at Scotts Brewery in Oamaru between 7pm and 8.30pm and On Key LTD at the Otematata District Club.
Police have an increased presence in the Waitaki Valley over the New Year period.
Sergeant Blair Wilkinson said that, generally, behaviour had been good in the area so far.
South Otago
In the Catlins, parties at three beaches will usher in 2015.
The Kaka Point New Year's Eve beach party gets going when the bonfire is lit at 9.45pm.
At Papatowai, a family day carnival, with a children's big dig and a golf chipping competition, begins at noon. A bonfire and fireworks bring in the new year from the beach at 10pm.
At Pounawea, an evening barbecue, children's races and live music end the year and fireworks are scheduled for midnight.
