By 3 News online staff / NZN
If you're in Wellington and planning to celebrate New Year's in the city, you might want to think again.
Due to bad weather, organisers of the night's entertainment on the waterfront have called it off.
Wellington City Council's Lauren Fantham says the are disappointed to have to make the call.
"The forecast is not showing signs of much improvement this evening," she says.
"We think it's better that everyone stays indoors, dry and happy tonight."
Music and celebrations in Frank Kitts Park and Odlin's Plaza on the waterfront have been called off, but the fireworks display might still go ahead. A decision will be made later today.
A New Year's Eve event at Mount Maunganui's main beach was earlier cancelled due to poor weather but fireworks will still be let off on the Tauranga side of the city's bridge.
Rain is continuing across much of the North Island, with heavy rain forecast for Taranaki, Bay of Plenty and northern Northland.
The already drenched Nelson region is cleaning up so the party hotspots of Queenstown and Wanaka in the South Island look like the places to be weather-wise.
Police Commissioner Peter Marshall says there will be extra police on duty in popular holiday destinations in the Coromandel, as well as Queenstown and Wanaka, but he's confident there won't be much trouble.
"If this weather keeps up, there certainly won't be too many issues," he told Radio New Zealand.
Plastic ponchos will be in hot demand among those heading to Coromandel Gold, a two-day outdoor music festival near Whitianga. Festival-goers who brave the rain will be treated to performances by a host of Kiwi acts including Shihad, Shapeshifter and Fat Freddy's Drop.
The weather doesn't look much brighter in Gisborne as the annual Rhythm and Vines three-day music festival wraps up, with occasional rain expected.
Those in Auckland to see in the New Year have some indoor entertainment options, including a big party and fireworks, weather permitting, at Sky City.
Quake-ravaged Christchurch will hold its family-friendly New Year's Eve party in Hagley Park, with a host of musicians and performers to keep the crowd happy as they see in the New Year.
3 News / NZN