New Zealand

Liquor bans in place across NZ

21:49 pm on 31 December 2014

Liquor bans are in place for much of the country - including in parts of Gisborne, Tauranga, Hawke's Bay, New Plymouth and Queenstown - as revellers welcome 2015.

Fireworks light the sky around Auckland's Sky Tower on New Year's Eve 2013. Photo: RNZ / Todd Niall

Many councils have introduced temporary liqour bans, with a $250 fine, in addition to permanent bans in place throughout the year.

The Gisborne District Council has introduced a temporary liquor ban on public areas near Midway Beach for the duration of the Rhythm and Vines festival.

Near Tauranga, the alcohol-free zone in Mount Maunganui has been expanded and there is also a liquor-free zone in Papamoa.

Further south, there is a temporary ban at Waimarama Beach in Hawke's Bay - and in New Plymouth, including Oakura Beach and Urenui Domain.

Liquor bans are also in place in many South Island holiday hot spots as revellers celebrate the start of the new year, including Sumner, Akaroa, Spencer Park and Okains Bay.

They are also in force in Queenstown, Wanaka, Arrowtown and Hawea.