New Zealanders turned to online celebrations in massive numbers this New Year

Vodafone reports data use across its network was up by about 80 per cent compared with last year.

But the company reports it was prepared for the surge -- after a 52 percent spike over Christmas.

The increase has been put down to more people wanting to chat with loved-ones stuck overseas.

Kiwis also sent a staggering number of SMS messages of New Year cheer.

Almost one-million texts were sent around midnight.