2015 welcomed with spectacular fireworks displays in Australia and New Zealand

2015 has been welcomed in spectacular fashion. In New Zealand, one of the first countries to greet the New Year, fireworks were set off from the top of the Auckland Sky Tower. Wet weather did not dampen spirits as outdoor parties got underway around the country. Many believe New Zealand is the first country to see the New Year, but in fact it is the islands of Samoa and Kiribati. Two hours later spectacular fireworks marked the start of 2015 in Sydney, Australia. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered around Sydney Harbour to watch the display. Police say more than 1.6 million people were expected out on the streets. Dozens of vessels were packed with New Year's Eve revellers for traditional gala cruises. Officials say some seven tonnes of fireworks were set off. Thousands took to social media to capture the start of the new year, with one of the first coming from inside an apartment near the Auckland Sky Tower. pic.twitter.com/2kMmQVeJaf- Yevgen Bidnyy (@ybidnyy) December 31, 2014 Happy New Year to everyone back home from Auckland NZ with CotswoldKate pic.twitter.com/wyAXEQvaW9- Mike Lord (MikeLord2014) December 31, 2014 Happy new year from #NewZealand #Auckland