* Australian benchmark sees best day since Nov. 24
* Gold stocks see best day in nearly 2 months
* New Zealand markets closed for public holiday (Updates to close)
By Shruti Sonal
Jan 4 (Reuters) - Australian shares ended the first trading day of the new year on a solid note as mining stocks gained on strong iron ore and bullion prices, while a drastic drop in COVID-19 cases in the country's largest state also aided sentiment.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO rose 1.5% to 6,684.20 points at the close of trade, marking its best day since Nov. 24.
Gold stocks .AXGD led gains among the sub-sectors, rising over 5%, as bullion prices hit an eight-week high amid a spike in global COVID-19 cases and prospects of tougher coronavirus control measures. GOL/
Heavyweights Evolution Mining EVN.AX , Newcrest Mining NCM.AX and Northern Star Resources NST.AX gained between 3% to 4%.
Miners .AXMM notched up a 2.7% climb, as iron ore prices extended their bull run into the new year, jumping more than 3% buoyed by tight supply and robust demand. IRONORE/
Fortescue Metals Group FMG.AX gained 4.8% to hit a fresh record high, while Rio Tinto (LON:RIO) RIO.AX added as much as 1.3%.
Investor sentiment also received a boost after Australia's most populous state New South Wales on Monday reported zero local coronavirus cases for the first time in nearly three weeks. shares of business support services provider Link Administration LNK.AX plunged about 14% after U.S.-based SS&C Technology Holdings SSNC.O shelved its A$3.02 billion ($2.32 billion) buyout offer. Zealand markets were closed for a public holiday. ($1 = 1.2990 Australian dollars)