新西兰等国率先迎来2015年

New Zealanders were among the first in the world to usher in 2015, with a giant clock on Auckland's landmark Sky Tower counting down the minutes until the New Year.

A huge fireworks display was launched from the top of the tower at midnight.

After a turbulent year marred by terrorism threats, Ebola outbreaks and a horrific series of airline disasters, many around the globe could be forgiven for saying good riddance to 2014 and gratefully ringing in a new year.

Recent tragedies have muted celebration plans in Indonesian. Officials in Jakarta said the city would conduct prayers for the victims of AirAsia Flight 8501 and a deadly landslide in Central Java.

Other Indonesian cities have opted to cancel or tone down celebrations.

New Zealand's capital, Wellington, hosted a family-friendly celebration in a park, featuring orchestral music and iconic movie clips, culminating with fireworks.