31 December 2025

NYE Kids Countdown

Bring in 2026 with your whānau at NYE Kids Countdown - powered with Hydrate by IHF, for the biggest afternoon family event in Ōtautahi Christchurch!

NYE Kids Countdown - powered with Hydrate by IHF, is kicking off the New Year’s Eve celebrations early with a special kids’ event that your whānau won’t want to miss. Join the fun without having to stay out late!

The free event is headlined by The Backseats, who will lead the celebrations with songs and kid-friendly entertainment. 

DJ Chick will be there to bring the beats, and That Dance Studio will bring some talented young dancers to the stage. 

To wrap up the festivities, there will be a mock countdown at 7pm, complete with confetti canons. 

A range of food trucks will be onsite, selling yummy kai and drinks. 

Before entry, all eventgoers must agree to a bag search.  

You can't bring in 

  • Beverages of any kind, including alcohol 

  • Illicit drugs 

  • Dangerous goods and weapons 

  • Animals (except service animals) 

  • Offensive signs or banners 

  • Gang insignia 

  • Glass 

  • Drones 

  • Bags larger than 30cm x 30cm 

  • Scooters and bikes 

You can bring in 

  • Small chairs and blankets 

  • Self-packaged non-commercial food items (non-liquid items) 

  • Sunscreen 

  • Prams and baby products 

  • Cameras (personal use only) 

  • Empty water bottles can be filled on-site 

  • Driving? The Botanic Gardens Armagh Street car park will be closed to all traffic from 3.30pm with an alternative (Exit Only) via Riccarton Ave. This exit will be monitored by security for vehicle wayfinding and safety of pedestrians using the paths in the park.  Drop off point is on Rolleston Avenue, near Cathedral Grammar. Use our interactive map(external link)(external link) to easily find central city parking.  

  • Biking or scootering? Bike stands will be located inside the Armagh Street entrance to Hagley Park. Scooter parking will be available on Park Terrace. 

  • Busing? Metro buses will operate on the Saturday timetable this New Year’s Eve. Find info on bus routes here: https://www.metroinfo.co.nz(external link)(external link)

  • Mobility parking will be on Chester Street West (off Park Terrace) from 3pm for those displaying a mobility pass. 

  • This is a FREE, all ages event 
  • Entertainment will kick off around 4pm 
  • There is a liquor ban in place for Hagley Park 
  • You can bring in your own food 
  • This is a smoke-free, vape-free and alcohol free event 
  • For quick entry, don't bring a bag as bags may be searched on entry 
  • Blankets & chairs welcome 
  • Please keep your animals at home 
 

 

A huge thanks to our sponsor - Hydrate by IHF. 

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NYE Kids Countdown - powered with Hydrate by IHF, is kicking off the New Year’s Eve celebrations early with a special kids’ event that your whānau won’t want to miss. Join the fun without having to stay out late!

The free event is headlined by The Backseats, who will lead the celebrations with songs and kid-friendly entertainment. 

DJ Chick will be there to bring the beats, and That Dance Studio will bring some talented young dancers to the stage. 

To wrap up the festivities, there will be a mock countdown at 7pm, complete with confetti canons. 

A range of food trucks will be onsite, selling yummy kai and drinks. 

Before entry, all eventgoers must agree to a bag search.  

You can't bring in 

  • Beverages of any kind, including alcohol 

  • Illicit drugs 

  • Dangerous goods and weapons 

  • Animals (except service animals) 

  • Offensive signs or banners 

  • Gang insignia 

  • Glass 

  • Drones 

  • Bags larger than 30cm x 30cm 

  • Scooters and bikes 

You can bring in 

  • Small chairs and blankets 

  • Self-packaged non-commercial food items (non-liquid items) 

  • Sunscreen 

  • Prams and baby products 

  • Cameras (personal use only) 

  • Empty water bottles can be filled on-site 

  • Driving? The Botanic Gardens Armagh Street car park will be closed to all traffic from 3.30pm with an alternative (Exit Only) via Riccarton Ave. This exit will be monitored by security for vehicle wayfinding and safety of pedestrians using the paths in the park.  Drop off point is on Rolleston Avenue, near Cathedral Grammar. Use our interactive map(external link)(external link) to easily find central city parking.  

  • Biking or scootering? Bike stands will be located inside the Armagh Street entrance to Hagley Park. Scooter parking will be available on Park Terrace. 

  • Busing? Metro buses will operate on the Saturday timetable this New Year’s Eve. Find info on bus routes here: https://www.metroinfo.co.nz(external link)(external link)

  • Mobility parking will be on Chester Street West (off Park Terrace) from 3pm for those displaying a mobility pass. 

  • This is a FREE, all ages event 
  • Entertainment will kick off around 4pm 
  • There is a liquor ban in place for Hagley Park 
  • You can bring in your own food 
  • This is a smoke-free, vape-free and alcohol free event 
  • For quick entry, don't bring a bag as bags may be searched on entry 
  • Blankets & chairs welcome 
  • Please keep your animals at home 
 

 

A huge thanks to our sponsor - Hydrate by IHF. 

Location
North Hagley Park, Rolleston Ave, Christchurch Central

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