We will be on the South Island on the 31st of december 2004. Anyone got any tips on how/where to celebrate the new year? Thank you.

Queenstown is a blast for New Years because the town council pays for entertainment and half of New Zealand shows up to celebrate. There is an alcohol ban in the city center but there's also plenty of pubs celebrating. You'd need to reserve a hostel or hotel room NOW, though.

Depending on your age you could try Tahunanui Beach in Nelson too. It's mostly 17-23 year olds so if you're a bit more than that and don't think you can keep up you might want to give it a miss though.

Definitely Queenstown or Wanaka are the place to be - I was in Queenstown for New Years once and it gets pretty crowded - so book! If you don't wantthe crowds, Wanaka might be better. Otherwise Christchurch Square or Nelson. Everywhere else in the South is a bit blah - unless you have friends/ family to spend it with.