Auckland & Sydney first cities to ring in 2024

Sydney: Sydney and Auckland were among the world's first major cities to ring in 2024, with revelers cheering spectacular fireworks displays that lit up the skies over Sydney Harbor and New Zealand's tallest structure, Sky Tower.

As the clock struck midnight in Australia, tons of explosives erupted in a 12-minute display that focused on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

More than 1 million people — a number equivalent to one in five of the city's residents — watched from the shore and from boats in the harbour.

“It's total madness,” said German tourist Janna Thomas, who had waited in line since 7:30 a.m. to secure a prime waterfront location in the Sydney Botanic Garden.

“It's not so easy to find a good place to sit, but the view is incredible.”

In Auckland, the light rain that fell all day had cleared as forecast by midnight over the city of 1.7 million people before the countdown began on an illuminated digital display near the top of the 328-metre (1,076-foot) communications and observation tower.

The ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and heightened tensions in parts, are affecting New Year's Eve celebrations. (AP)