Looking for some fun activities or new places to try over January? Here’s a round-up of events, outings and new restaurants to try throughout the country!
Auckland
Yakitori Sundays
Sundays, 11.30am-3pm
HISO Rooftop Bar, SO/ Auckland Hotel, Corner of Customs St E & Gore St, Auckland CBD
HISO, the rooftop bar of SO/Auckland Hotel, has brought a sizzling experience 16 floors above the city with Yakitori Sundays, a rooftop feast blending Japanese street food, signature sake-infused cocktails and sky-high vibes. Enjoy a lively yakitori station, indulge at the fresh sashimi bar, sip on carefully crafted cocktails and vibe to the smooth tunes from DJ Uncle Barnie, for the hottest new Sunday session in town! hiso-rooftopbar.co.nz
Auckland International Buskers Festival 2025
Friday 24 January 2025 – Monday 27 January 2025 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Te Komititanga, Auckland CBD, Auckland, 1 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
The 25th annual Auckland International Buskers Festival is set to bring a world-class lineup of street performers to the city for Auckland Anniversary Weekend. From 24 – 27 January, the Waterfront and CBD will be bursting with an exciting blend of extraordinary talent, from thrilling fire tricks, hilarious clowning and breathtaking acrobatics. Happening across four days from 12PM daily, audiences of all ages will be wowed by the unbelievable talent and vibrant performers at the 2025 festival. The full programme and schedule will be available online here from early 2025.
kingi
Tuawhiti Lane, 29 Galway Street, Auckland 1010
Kingi celebrates the best of New Zealand’s oceans with sustainably caught seafood that captures the essence of its origin, complemented by a great glass of wine. With a focus on sustainable and seasonal local produce, the menu reflects a deep connection to the ocean and land, advocating for responsible fishing practices and a brighter future for New Zealand’s fisheries. For a more intimate experience, Kingi Private offers a sophisticated brick-lined space with a private dining menu featuring unique twists on their signature dishes. kingibritomart.com
Waihi
Waihi Beach Summer Fair
Friday 3 January 2025 10:00am – 4:00pm
Wilson Park, Citrus Ave, Waihi Beach
That one day of the year that you just can’t miss! Live music, 200+ stalls, 12,000+ punters, fun for kids, delicious food stalls, live music and happy vibes – what’s not to love?
Hamilton
Gourmet In the Gardens
Sundays until March
Rhododendron Lawn, Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton Gardens, Cobham Drive, Hamilton
A beautiful family dining experience on the Rhododendron Lawn in the stunning Hamilton Gardens. Head along with the whole family and listen to the local live music while dining from the lineup of local food trucks. Bring your picnic blankets, chairs and sunscreen. Come for dinner or dessert and connect with the whole community. Sunshine and smiles!
Cambridge
Summer Outdoor Movie Series at the Raceway
Sun 19 Jan 2025, 5:00pm–9:00pm
Fri 14 Feb 2025, 7:30pm–9:30pm
Cambridge Raceway, Taylor St, Cambridge
Head along for 3 unforgettable summer evenings at Cambridge Raceway’s outdoor movie series! Experience the magic under the stars with Cambridge’s biggest outdoor screen. Bring a blanket, picnic rug or low chair, and soak in the summer vibes. Delicious food and drinks will be available for purchase, including burgers, popcorn and more (no BYO food or alcohol). Tickets are only $5 and kids under 12 get in free.
Taupo
Taupo Summer Carnival
Nightly until Monday 6 January 2025 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Tongariro North Domain, Tongariro Street, Taupō
The Summer Carnival is back with nightly family fun for everyone including rides, games and fairground food galore. Don’t miss the Night Super Pass – that’s unlimited rides!! Check out the Hurricane, Dodgem Cars, Ferris Wheel, Scream Machine, Carousel and more, plus carnival games including Frying frogs, Catch a Fish, Laughing Clowns and more. Open nightly from 6-10pm; hours are weather and crowd dependent so please check the Facebook page for up-to-date info.
Wellington
Great Big Waterfront Clean-Up
Wednesday 22 January 2025 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Wellington Museum, 3 Jervois Quay, Queens Wharf, Wellington
It’s that time again! Show Wellington some love by joining in the Great Big Waterfront Clean-Up 2025. Help clean up our waterfront and keep trash out of our harbour. Register your whānau, friends and work mates to join the cause! After your hard mahi, enjoy a refreshing Almighty drink as a thank you!
Pick your own lavender
Lavender Abbey, 351 Dalefield Road, Carterton, Carterton
It’s that wonderful time of the year again to view the purple haze against the Tararuas and pick your own Lavender at Lavender Abbey in Carterton. Bring a picnic and enjoy the slice of Provence with family and friends. This summertime ‘must do’, is to experience the beauty and breathe in the calming Lavender aroma. Wash away 2024 and plan for 2025 in the most calming place in town. Awarded the winners of the ‘Best lavender oil in NZ ‘Grosso’ variety 2022, 2023 and 2024. lavenderabbey.co.nz
Nelson
30th Nelson Jazz Summer Festival 2025
Friday 3 January 2025 3:00pm and Sunday 5 January 2025 3:00pm
Founders Heritage Park, 87 Atawhai Dr, Nelson
If you’re a fan of jazz then you’ll love this event. This year the Nelson Jazz Club Festival Committee has returned to a three-day festival with an incredible line up of bands. On Friday the Festival kicks off at Founders Heritage Park at 3 pm until 8 pm. Bring your dancing shoes, a blanket and room for some drinks and food from the food carts. On Sunday the Festival closes at Washbourn Gardens with five great bands starting at 3 pm until 8 pm – and don’t worry about leaving to get something to eat because there will be food carts that will have food and drink. Get your tickets here.
Christchurch
Pegasus Bay Vine Run
Sunday 26 January 2025 8:00am – 1:00pm
Pegasus Bay Winery, 263 Stockgrove Road, Waipara
Join in the fun and run or walk amongst the picturesque hills, valleys and vineyards of Pegasus Bay to support the New Zealand Brain Research Institute. For more info and to register click here!
The Buskers Jam
Friday 24 January 2025 – Saturday 1 February 2025 6:00pm – 8:00pm
The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
Step into the vibrant heart of the World Buskers Festival at the nightly Buskers Jam. For nine unforgettable nights, this lively busker showcase promises dazzling entertainment under the summer skies of Ōtautahi. Hosted by the quick-witted Shay Horay or the full-noise El Jaguar, each evening delivers an ever-changing array of jaw-dropping acts, bursting with humour, skill and charm with buskers from across the Festival.
Whether you’re a fan of daring stunts, laugh-out-loud comedy, or captivating circus arts, The Buskers Jam offers something for everyone. No two nights are the same. Seats are limited, and excitement is guaranteed. Book your spot now and be part of the buzz!
Dunedin
Sunrise Yoga on the Beach
St Clair Beach, St Clair Esplanade, Dunedin
Come along for fabulous Sunrise Yoga on the beach. If you enjoy being outside and aligning your inner self with nature, this is the class for you. Meet by The Esplanade for a brief walk and Yoga class. Buy tickets and keep an eye on Jo Woolley Yoga for updates and pop-up classes.
Aotearoa Bike Challenge – Ōtepoti Dunedin
Saturday 1 February 2025 – Friday 28 February 2025 12:00am
Various locations Dunedin, Various around Dunedin, Dunedin
The Aotearoa Bike Challenge is back in February. Riding a bike is a great way to enjoy time outdoors with friends and family, get out in nature and protect our environment by leaving the car at home. During the Aotearoa Bike Challenge you can win amazing prizes like a $2,000 bike! See more details here.
