This year, you’ll find few better places to spend New Years Eve than New Zealand. Firstly, it brings in the new dawn before just about any other country. More importantly, a 2011 that started with immeasurable lows, reached euphoric highs in October when the All Blacks slayed ‘em in the World Cup – and they haven’t stopped celebrating since.

So don’t stay at home, gathered around telly, watching fireworks again – get amongst the revellers and say, “Kia ora!” to 2012 at one of many great music festivals playing across the country.

Relax with reggae at Exodus 2012

Ay mon, chill out wit de rastaman at Exodus 2012 reggae music festival in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty. Not only will local talent such as Katchafire, 1814 and Sons of Zion be channelling Bob Marley, but this 18yo+ event has a licensed bar and DJs to keep you cool from midday.

Wake up to a new year at the Fantail Lodge, set in beautiful gardens with an old-style menu full of delicious local cuisine.

See more great Tauranga hotel deals for December 31.

Enjoy the Highlife in Auckland

For music festival lovers whose days of sleeping in cars and tents are well behind them, there’s the Highlife New Years Eve Experience, about 30 minutes drive from the Auckland CBD. Set in the coast and winery district, this boutique event is designed for those who enjoy a more intimate and eclectic festive atmosphere.

There’s a huge variety of food stalls, music styles (funk, rock, jazz, hip-hop and more) and extra activities like fireworks and acrobatic warplane displays. VIP members get luxury restrooms, drink vouchers and everyone can meander around the four areas of music and chill-out areas.

Close by is the Gulf Harbour Lodge Whangaparaoa. The large rooms overlook a delightful canal and it has its own golf course, country club and marina.

See more great Auckland hotel deals for December 31.

Get down to Earth in Queenstown

Peeved by promoters who try to suck every last cent from you at events AND cut costs on facilities? Then the Earthtonz music festival in Queenstown will renew your faith in humanity for 2012.

You’ll enjoy free water refills, reasonably priced food and drink and most importantly, lots of loos. Of course, the main attractions aren’t bad either – more than 30 hours of electronica, beatbox and dance music from renowned artists such as Tommy Lee (yes, he of Motley Crue fame) and Crystal Method.

The Edge Base Camp part of the event kicks off on December 30 with pop rock, alternative, reggae and performance buskers, plus a sound and light show.

Open the curtains on 2012 at the Hilton Queenstown Hotel on Lake Wakatipu, where all units have balconies with views to the lake or mountains.

See more great Queenstown hotel deals for December 31.

Rock on in Wellington

You’ll get a whole year’s worth of concerts in one day at the Beyond the Black music festival in Wellington – 15 bands and 13 hours of rock and metal blasting from the stage to a set of eardrums near you.

The SilverOaks Hotel On Thorndon Wellington has 24-hour reception for late night stumblings-in and room service for a fuel up after all that mosh pitting.

See more great Wellington hotel deals for December 31.