January is the month when Summer has truly arrived. Long days and great weather mean you owe it to yourself to get out and about and make the most of it. Luckily, there are heaps of events taking place right throughout the country to enjoy.
To help you choose which ones to go to we’ve pulled together a list of 7 of our favourite events in New Zealand in January!
1. ASB CLASSIC
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The ASB Classic is New Zealand’s premier tennis competition which attracts some of the best talents in the game from all around the world.
This year’s competition features another star-studded lineup. In the Women’s Tournament, there’ll be Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Ostapenko, Coco Gauff and Serena Williams. In the Men’s Tournament, you’ll see Fabio Fognini, Denis Shapovalov, Karen Khachanov and Daniil Medvedev.
As well as the fantastic courtside action, the ASB Classic does a great job with its hospitality too with great pop-up bars and restaurants to enjoy. There’s also an Entertainment Hub with live musical performances to tap your toes to as well!
Event: ASB Classic
When: 6 – 18 January
Where: Auckland
2. SOUNDSPLASH FESTIVAL
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The Soundsplash Festival is about as perfect a music festival as you can get in New Zealand with so many things in its favour.
First of all, it’s hosted at the beautiful surfing town of Raglan, one of the hippest and chilled out places in the country. It also takes place over 3 days with great camping spots available. The lineup is always superb and this year is no exception with the likes of Peking Duk, Polo G and Mitch James. Lastly, the food and drink options are delicious and will keep your energy levels up.
With the beach only 500m from the stage, it’s an amazing sight and an incredible experience to be a part of. It also gives you an excuse to enjoy all the other things to do in Raglan as well.
Event: Soundsplash Festival 2020
When: 17 – 19 January 2020
Where: Raglan
3. LOUIS THEROUX: WITHOUT LIMITS
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Louis Theroux, the renowned British documentary filmmaker, makes his first-ever trip to New Zealand for his one-off show, Without Limits.
The show is an in-depth look into his tremendous body of work that has explored topics at the extreme fringes of society. With over 20 years of experience making thoughtful, compelling and often hilarious documentaries, his show will offer all that and more with stories never heard before.
He’ll be joined television and radio personality Julia Zemiro who will lead the discussion in the iconic Civic Theatre.
Event: Louis Theroux – Without Limits
When: 10 January 2020
Where: Auckland
4. SIX60
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One of New Zealand’s most successful bands in recent times starts its nationwide tour in January. We’re of course talking about SIX60, the band from Dunedin who have played all over the world.
In total, they’ll be playing at 6 different locations on this tour which comes hot off the heels of their tour of Australia. They’ll be playing all their biggest hits like ‘Don’t Forget Your Roots’, ‘Only to Be’, ‘Rivers’, ‘Closer’ plus a few newer songs as well.
They are a great band to see live and are a group that just love to share and enjoy their music with all so make sure you catch them if you can!
Event: SIX60 Tour
When: From 25 January
Where: Wellington, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Whangarei, Auckland and Dunedin
5. BLACKCAPS VS INDIA
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This Summer sees the three strongest cricketing nations in the world visit our shores, the last of which is India, arguably the best of the lot.
The Indian tour starts with a T20 series which sees matches played right throughout the country including two in Auckland, one in Hamilton and one in Wellington during January. Matches with India are always great. They have global superstars like Sharma, Kohli and Bumrah plus they have some of the most dedicated fans around.
The grounds will be packed and the atmosphere will be intense so make sure you get your summer sporting fix with a day out at the cricket!
Event: Blackcaps vs India
When: From 24 January 2020
Where: Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington
6. GREAT KIWI BEER FESTIVAL
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Many Kiwis have a soft spot for beer and if you do as well then you’ll want to get yourself to Christchurch for the Great Kiwi Beer Festival.
The Great Kiwi Beer Festival is one of the largest of its kind in New Zealand. Over 40 craft breweries attend along with 35 street food vendors. With over 300 beers on tap, you’re not short on choices with some interesting brews to discover. On top of this, there’s great live musical entertainment on the main stage to keep everyone pumping.
It’s a fantastic mid-summer event and makes for a great day out.
Event: Great Kiwi Beer Festival
When: 25 January 2020
Where: Christchurch
7. GIBBSTON VALLEY CONCERT
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One doesn’t really need an excuse to go to Queenstown in the summer but if you’re looking for one, the Gibbston Valley Concert makes a pretty strong case.
The concert is hosted in the beautiful surroundings of the Gibbston Valley Winery and on a sunny day, it’s outstanding. The musical lineup is always great and this year includes the legendary Billy Idol along with George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Anastacia, Creedence Clearwater Revisited and Smash Mouth. With awesome food and great wine (of course) and you’ve got yourself a real winner.
The seating is open grass so make sure you bring a picnic blanket for the day!
Event: Gibbston Valley Concert
When: 18 January 2020
Where: Queenstown
SOME GREAT EVENTS TO START THE YEAR!
So there it is, some awesome January events to start your year in the best possible way! Make sure you get out and get involved for a memorable summer.
