New Zealand Becomes Second Country To Welcome 2026! Want to Know Which is First?

While Kiritimati Island (also known as Christmas Island) in the Pacific nation of Kiribati holds the title of the first inhabited place on Earth to enter 2026, New Zealand followed closely as the second country to celebrate the New Year, with spectacular fireworks lighting up Auckland's skyline.

Located in the UTC+14 time zone, Kiritimati quietly marked the global milestone, ushering in the new year ahead of any other populated location.

New Zealand's remote Chatham Islands entered 2026 shortly after, with the mainland—particularly Auckland—delivering one of the world's first major public celebrations. Thousands braved rainy weather to watch a vibrant five-minute fireworks show, featuring around 3,500 bursts launched from the iconic 240-meter Sky Tower , the country's tallest building.

Forecasts of rain and possible thunderstorms forced the cancellation of several smaller events across the North Island.

As the New Year wave progresses westward, here are key arrival times around the world (in Indian Standard Time):

- Kiribati (Kiritimati Island) → 3:30 PM (Dec 31)
- New Zealand → 4:30 PM (Dec 31)
- Australia (East Coast) → 6:30 PM (Dec 31)
- Japan, South Korea, North Korea → 8:30 PM (Dec 31)
- China, Hong Kong, Taiwan → 9:30 PM (Dec 31)
- Thailand → 10:30 PM (Dec 31)
- India, Sri Lanka → 12:00 AM (Jan 1)
- Moscow (Russia) → 2:30 AM (Jan 1)
- Ukraine → 3:30 AM (Jan 1)
- Germany, France, Italy, Spain → 4:30 AM (Jan 1)
- UK, Portugal → 5:30 AM (Jan 1)
- Brazil, Argentina → 8:30 AM (Jan 1)
- US East Coast → 10:30 AM (Jan 1)

The last spots to welcome 2026 will be American Samoa and the uninhabited Baker and Howland Islands in the UTC-12 zone, almost a full day later.

With these early festivities, the world bids goodbye to 2025 and embraces fresh beginnings.

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