Families spend end of year at night markets

Tucking into the Esk St night market’s food truck treats on New Year’s Eve are Invercargill pals (from left) Milky Tran, Kayden Zhao, both 6, An Tran, 10, and Mela Zhao, 9. PHOTOS: NINA TAPU

Southlanders got into party mode for New Year’s Eve by tucking into ethnic food, listening to music and playing outdoor games at the Esk St night markets.

About 2000 people soaked in the festive atmosphere and lined up in queues for their favourite food truck bites.

Warmer than normal Invercargill temperatures helped attract locals and visitors to the event.

Enjoying a game of pool together are Nelson visitors Mats, 9, and Kay Westhoff.

Local man Yaad Singh said the markets were a great way to welcome in the New Year.

"We were looking for something to do for the New Year, so it’s been great to have some good food and enjoy a day out with the family," Mr Singh said.

The set-up of free outdoor games for "tamariki of all ages" delighted the Westhoff family, who were first time visitors to Invercargill city.

Eating wontons at the Esk St night markets on New Year’s Eve are (from left) Japnaaz, 15, Revaar, 6, Yaad and Jaspreet Singh.

"This has been a nice introduction to the city because we have never been here before ... so playing these games and just having somewhere relaxed to hang out has been a good start," Mr Westhoff said.

Families had hung out at the event longer than expected and took advantage of the family activities, which were organised by Great South and the Invercargill City Council.

Great South city centre co-ordinator Oli Cameron said the goal of the city centre activation programme was to bring people into the city and he was rapt with the result.