Hawea and Queenstown are expecting thousands of party-goers at live music events, while Wanaka, Central Otago, South Otago and the Maniototo will host more family-oriented events.
An increased police presence, with up to 80 officers seconded from Dunedin and Oamaru, to Wanaka, Queenstown and Otematata, means there will be extra officers to deal with any problems.
The police Rural Drink Driving Group, from Alexandra, and the Southern Traffic Alcohol Group, from Invercargill, will operate in Queenstown, Arrowtown and Wanaka as well as Central Otago townships over the period.
In Central Otago, the big event will be Promote Dunstan's annual street party in the main street of Clyde, from 9pm.
It is a family occasion, with celebrations finishing around 1am.
The many holiday-makers in the area were expected to boost crowd numbers into the hundreds, organisers said.
Dunedin DJ "D" will be performing and food stalls will feed the hungry crowds.
Naseby will host a street party with live bands from 8.30pm in the street between the Ancient Briton Hotel and Royal Hotel.
Queenstown
In Queenstown, more than 7000 people are expected to enjoy live music and fireworks at Earnslaw Park and Marine Pde.
Queenstown rock 'n roll band Dr Blade and the Medicine Man will perform, followed by acclaimed New Zealand rock/roots/reggae six-piece band dDub.
DJs, including Hand Solo, will play on the second stage beside the Memorial Gates.
Earnslaw Park will have food and non-alcoholic drink stalls.
A temporary liquor ban is in force in Queenstown until 8pm, January 5.
The whole of the Lake Wakatipu foreshore from the One Mile Roundabout to Park St, including the Queenstown Gardens, is covered by the ban.
The area from the foreshore to an outer boundary formed by, and including, Lake Esplanade, Lake St, Man St, Memorial St, Stanley St, Coronation Dr and Park St to the lake foreshore area next to the Queenstown Gardens is also covered by the ban.
Harbour authorities will patrol the lake to enforce the exclusion zone around the fireworks raft.
Wanaka and Upper Clutha
Two major events in the Upper Clutha are each expected to draw thousands of people.
The Lake Hawea Hotel is holding the second event in its summer concert series, with Shapeshifter, Tiki Taane, Pacific Heights and Sunshine Soundsystem.
The concert is sold out and there are no door sales.
The free Summerdaze Festival celebration will be held in Wanaka's Ardmore St.
A 24-hour, seven-day liquor ban in public places remains in effect until January 5.
Consuming or carrying alcohol is banned in extensive areas of both lake shores, as well as public parks, township areas and residential streets of Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
Details are posted around the towns.
South Otago
In South Otago, hundreds are expected at events at Pounawea in the Catlins and at Kaka Point Beach.
At Pounawea, there is a family picnic and fireworks night, while at Kaka Point Beach the Soundz Familia Band will play from 8pm until 12.15am.
The traditional bonfire will be lit at 9.45pm. A barbecue will start at 8pm, with food and cold softdrinks available.
People can bring alcohol, but the organisers ask that it be carried in cans not glass. They are expecting about 500 people and police will be there most of the night.
North Otago
Four full-time police officers have been based at Otematata since Boxing Day and will remain there until Sunday.
The Waitaki Valley is a popular destination for holiday-makers and police have warned that disorder will not be tolerated.
In Oamaru, which is traditionally quiet over New Year, there is a year-round liquor ban in the central business area.
Where to go for events in the New Year
Clyde
What: Street party.
Where: Sunderland St, Clyde.
When: 9pm-1am.
Alexandra-Clyde shuttle buses depart from Central Stories Museum, Alexandra, at 9.30pm, 10.30pm, and 11.30pm.
Return trips from Clyde from 12.30pm.
Naseby
What: Naseby's New Year's Eve street party.
Where: Between the Ancient Briton and Royal Hotels.
When: From 8.30pm.
Maniototo
What: Live music.
Where: Vulcan Hotel, St Bathans; Waipiata Hotel, Waipiata; Forry's Bar and Cafe, Ranfurly.
When: From 8pm.
Queenstown
What: Live music and fireworks.
Where: Queenstown rock band Dr Blade and the Medicine Man perform at Earnslaw Park; DJ Hand Solo and guest DJs on the second stage by Memorial Gates, on Marine Pde, from 9pm; dDub at Earnslaw Park stage from 10pm.
When: From 8.30pm.
Connectabus buses between Sunshine Bay and Arrowtown.
Following the celebrations, buses leave O'Connell's Shopping Centre every 30 minutes, or when full, until 5am.
Wanaka and Upper Clutha
Cardrona Hotel: Live music by Stig the Piano Man and Suzee Cream Cheese from 6.30pm.
Lake Hawea Hotel: concert with Shapeshifter, Tiki Taane, Pacific Heights and Sunshine Soundsystem from 8pm (note: concert sold out).
Free bus service between Wanaka and Hawea via Albert Town camping ground.
Starts 5pm, leaving from the skate park in central Wanaka.
Ardmore St, Wanaka: New Year's Eve street party includes fireworks and live music by The Crystal Set and The Master Blasters from 8.30pm.
Albert Town Tavern: Live music by Why Not from 9pm.
Luggate Hotel: Live music by Jody Direen from 9pm.
South Otago
What: Live music and bonfire.
Where: Kaka Point beach, from 8pm.
Also family picnic and fireworks at Pounawea.
