New Zealand Kicks off New Year's Eve Celebrations

Auckland City in the North Island, New Zealand, has welcomed 2021 with a firework display after New Zealand effectively eliminated coronavirus.

Thousands gathered at the waterfront during Auckland New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31, 2020.

The Sky Tower has been adorned with colorful animated laser displays of geometric shapes and animals including a green gecko which appeared to be climbing down the 328m tall tower.

The stunning fireworks mark one of the biggest shows of the New Year.

Meanwhile, Samoa and Tonga have become the first country in the world to ring in 2021. January 1st on the islands began at 10 am GMT, on December 31.  The country also celebrated with a huge firework display in the capital city of Apia.