New Zealanders and Australians welcome in 2010 with spectacular fireworks displays in their biggest cities.

Global New Year festivities kicked off in New Zealand which is one of the first countries to cross the timeline..

The largest city Auckland staged a bright and noisy welcome to 2010.

Thousands gathered to watch as fireworks were launched from the Sky Tower.

The structure is New Zealand's tallest, and the display has become a New Year's Eve tradition in recent years.

Across the Tasman Sea, Australia's east coast welcomed the New Year two hours later.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge has become a focal point for celebrations, and it didn't disappoint.

On land and on the harbour, more than one and a half million people gathered to watch.

In a truly spectacular display Sydney was lit up by thousand of fireworks parked on boats in the harbour, buildings around the waterfront as well as the bridge.

Crowds had gathered since early morning some of them camping overnight to get a good view.