What to do in Auckland in January: School holiday activities, gigs, fireworks and markets

Monday, 30 December 2019

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addresses crowds at Laneway, where she once performed as a DJ. 'It's been down hill since then.'

As the summer holidays progress and Kiwis make the most of the hotter weather, there's plenty to do in and around Auckland.

Whether you want to find a way to keep the kids entertained, catch a sports game or get involved with the festival season, we've got you covered.

MOTAT'S SCHOOL HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE 'ENERGIZE', JANUARY 3-27

Keep the kids entertained with the chance to learn about the science of energy at MOTAT. The holiday programme aligns itself with MOTAT's new summer exhibition 'Machine Makers,' which explores concepts of engineering and physics.

* Traffic cop urges motorists to be safe over holiday period

Tennis star Serena Williams will be at the 2020 ASB Classic in January.

* Auckland's summer festivals**

It's for children aged between five and 12 years old and runs between 10am and 5pm. Normal admission fees apply.

2020 ASB CLASSIC TENNIS, JANUARY 6-18

Some of the biggest names in tennis will be heading to Auckland for this annual competition, including Serena Williams.

Tickets for the event can be purchased through Ticketek.

Louis Theroux will be doing his first ever New Zealand show.

MILKY CHANCE, JANUARY 10

German pop duo Milky Chance will play at Auckland's Powerstation on Mt Eden Rd.

Tickets for the show are $69.90.

LOUIS THEROUX WITHOUT LIMITS, JANUARY 10

BBC filmmaker and journalist Louis Theroux will head to New Zealand for the first time and will bring a former member of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church along to speak.

Australian television and radio personality Julia Zemiro will also join Theroux for the one-off show at the Civic.

Tickets to the evening cost $139.

FOMO 2020, JANUARY 15

An outdoor music festival featuring big names like Lizzo and Brockhampton will take place at the Trusts Arena from 5pm until 10.30pm.

This will be the festival's first year and with one stage, you're sure not to miss your favourite acts.

1980s punk rock legend Billy Idol will play in Auckland.

General admission tickets are available for $135.10.

GROOVE IN THE GRAPES, JANUARY 18

Enjoy six hours of live music at East Auckland's Turanga Creek Vineyard. Relax in the sun and have a glass of local wine or craft beer, or even pitch in and buy a picnic pack for two.

Tickets for this event cost $29.

BILLY IDOL, JANUARY 19

Rock icon Billy Idol will play Western Springs Stadium.

Idol will be joined by Stellar* and Elemeno P on stage. Head along to the concert for $89.

BASTILLE, JANUARY 23

Martin Vom Ende, left, Lloyd Wheeler, Conni Ruff, Kerry Challinor and Pete Parnham from the Jam Tarts practice their music at the Auckland Folk Festival, Kumeu Showgrounds, in 2016.

British pop band Bastille will play at Spark Arena, giving fans a chance to hear their third studio album live for the first time.

Tickets to see the band are $79.90.

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL BUSKERS FESTIVAL, JANUARY 24-27

If you're in the city over Auckland Anniversary weekend, make sure to check out this festival which features all sorts of different street performances, including acrobatic stunts, magic tricks and comedy.

The performances wil take place on Quay St by the waterfront. Admission is free, but make sure to bring some pocket change to support those performing.

AUCKLAND FOLK FESTIVAL, JANUARY 24-27

Enjoy a weekend of traditional and contemporary folk music at the Kumeu showgrounds.

There will be live performances, workshops, singalongs and the chance to dance the night away to a selection of folk music.

There'll also be food and coffee carts on site.

Adult tickets are $40-$60, depending on the day.

EXQUISITE WAIHEKE POOL PARTY, JANUARY 25

What could be better than a pool party? Take a short ferry ride from Auckland to this private resort on Waiheke Island, which has a pool, spa, mini golf and a licensed bar and restaurant.

Rooms are available at the resort, including a self-contained studio apartment near to the main stage with complimentary tea and bubbles on arrival.

Second release tickets are still available at $120 per person.

AUCKLAND ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND MARKET, JANUARY 25-27

This market will be filled with stalls selling art, clothing, plants and more.

There will be a fireworks display to celebrate Auckland’s 180th birthday (file photo).

Coffee and food trucks will also be available with a kids' zone to keep the little ones entertained, as well as live music.

This is also a free event.

The Internet performing at Laneway Festival in Auckland at the beginning of 2019.

ROSÉ ALL DAY, JANUARY 26

Tickle yourself pink at this one-day wine festival, which will include more than 30 different varieties of rosé to try.

The event is set to take place across two four-hour sessions, from 12pm-4pm and 5pm-9pm.

Tickets also come with $10 food vouchers for plant-based eatery Forest.

SUNSET SYMPHONY AND FIREWORKS WITH THE AUCKLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, JANUARY 26

Auckland will celebrate its 180th birthday with fireworks and live music.

Head to Captain Cook Wharf and relax with family or friends.

LANEWAY FESTIVAL, JANUARY 27

One of Auckland's most well-known summer festivals is back for another year, featuring some big name international artists: The 1975, Charli XCX and Earl Sweatshirt.

The festival will run at Auckland's Albert Park from 11.30am and general admission tickets cost $185.27.

CINEMA AT THE STADIUM, JANUARY 29

For the first time ever, Mt Smart Stadium will be transformed into a drive-in cinema. Attendees will be able to drive their cars along the grass and park up to watch Bohemian Rhapsody.

The event will feature the country's largest outdoor movie screen and free popcorn and soft drinks for those in attendance.

Tickets for the event went on sale on December 20 and on the night, the gates will open at 6.30pm.