IN PICS | Australia, New Zealand Usher In New Year 2021 With Dazzling Firework Display

As per reports, thousands of people crowded Sydney's harbour to watch fireworks that centre on the Sydney harbour Bridge, but most had to watch on television as authorities urged residents to stay home. (Getty Image)

Australia was one of the first nations to welcome 2021 because of its proximity to the International Date Line. For New South Wales and Victoria, the country's two most populous states, it was a grim end to the year as the states are battling to curb new COVID-19 outbreaks. (Getty Image)

Celebrations look different this year as COVID-19 restrictions remain in place due to the coronavirus pandemic with various parts of Greater Sydney in types of lockdowns owing to increasing cases reported by health officials. (Getty Image)

Fireworks light the sky over the Opera House to bring in the New Year as seen from the new harbourside resort Crown Sydney on January 01, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Getty Image)

Police on Patrol as people are gathered at Federation Square minutes away from the New Year during New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31, 2020. Melbourne, Australia's second most populous city, cancelled its fireworks this year. (Getty Image)

People are seen cheering and celebrating as they bring in the New Year at Federation Square during New Year's Eve celebrations on January 1, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Celebrations look different this year as COVID-19 restrictions remain in place due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. (Getty Image)

New Zealand, which is two hours ahead of Sydney, and several of its South Pacific island neighbours have no COVID-19 cases, and New Year celebrations there were the same as ever. (Getty Image)

Fireworks from the SkyTower during Auckland New Year's Eve celebrations on January 01, 2021 in Auckland, New Zealand. This time the New Year's Eve is being celebrated like no other, with pandemic restrictions limiting crowds and many people bidding farewell to a year they would certainly want to erase from their memories. (Getty Image)

Due to the unprecedented outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic, New York’s Times Square to Sydney Harbor, big public blowouts have been turned into TV-only shows and digital events. (Getty Image)

New Zealand, which has been garnering applauds for handing and kicking off Coronavirus, started its new year's celebrations with Skycity fireworks and Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. (Getty Image)

Crowds enjoy the music during Auckland New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31, 2020 in Auckland. (Getty Image)