Much of Central Otago will be fireworks-free this holiday season as it enters into a temporary ban from Christmas Eve. The Queenstown Lakes District will be moving into a restricted fire season at the same time. No private fireworks would be allowed to be lit in the Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes and Upper Waitaki areas. In a restricted fire season most types of outdoor fires, including bonfires and campfires, require a fire permit. Central Otago and Upper Waitaki are also currently in a restricted fire season.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 22, 2025 20:36 UTC