17 Great Things to Do in January

By Ellen Mackenzie
Viva
A work of art by Frazer Toulmin. Picture / Supplied.


1. Fraser Toulmin: Cuba Intact
In this latest series of photographs from Frazer Toulmin, he endeavoured to capture the heart and soul of Cuba while it remained 'intact'. Toulmin is an avid traveller and uses photography to capture and share his encounters.
 Verge Gallery, 28 Clarence St, Devonport, Auckland, January 16 - February 3. depotartspace.co.nz

2. Central Otago Cellar Door
Get a taste of the finest wines in Wanaka at the inaugural Central Otago Cellar Door. Including more than 20 local wineries – including many that aren't usually open to the public – this exciting afternoon is not to be missed by wine lovers.
 Corner of Cardrona Valley Road and Orchard Road, Wanaka, January 13. feastwanaka.co.nz

3. Anno Domini
What better way to spend a Sunday than relaxing on the rooftop of Auckland Art Gallery? Anno Domini promises four afternoons of good music, food and drink during the summer months.
 Anno Domini tickets, $38, on sale now from Ticketmaster

4. Auckland Shakespeare in the Park
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Auckland Shakespeare in the Park summer season. Experience the unforgiving tragedy of King Lear and the fantastic romance of The Tempest on the outdoor stage.
 The PumpHouse Theatre, Killarney Park, Auckland, January 16 - February 13. pumphouse.co.nz

5. Takapuna Beach Summer Days
There are a series of events on at Takapuna Beach over summer, including outdoor movies, music and comedy.
 Takapuna Beach, Auckland, from January 15. takapunabeachsummerdays.com

6. ASB Classic
The new ASB Classic brings together the best of world tennis, music, fashion and food for the first two weeks of January. Venus Williams is back to defend her crown and star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is making his first appearance in Auckland.
 ASB Tennis Centre, Auckland, January 4-16. asbclassic.co.nz

7. Sweet Sounz Summer Series
Featuring a rotating line up of great local talent, join the Sweet Sounz all-stars for an afternoon of great food and music on the Wellington waterfront.
 Karaka Cafe, Odlins Square, 15 Jervois Quay, Wellington, every Saturday in January. sweetsounz.fm

8. Let's Go Tongariro
This tour takes you to the significant cultural, environmental and historic sites of the Ngati Hikairo people including Opotaka, where the famous words of "Ka Mate, ka mate" were composed over 200 years ago.
 Turangi Town Centre, January 19. doc.govt.nz/mahiaroha

9. The University of Auckland Art Collection: New Acquisitions
The first exhibition at Gus Fisher Gallery in 2016 will give people the opportunity to see the University's latest acquisitions, amassing over 1200 pieces including paintings, sculptures, glass and ceramics.
 74 Shortland Street Auckland, January 9 – February 5. creative.auckland.ac.nz

10. Auckland Seafood Festival
From steamed mussels and whitebait fritters to fish fillets and oysters, discover delicious local favourites at the Auckland Seafood Festival.
 Hasley Street Wharf Auckland, January 29 – February 1. aucklandseafoodfestival.co.nz

11. Coro Sonic Lab Summer Fest
Sit back with a picnic and then dance into the night with a great line-up of live music nestled amongst beautiful native bush.
 23 Colville Road Coromandel, Coromandel, January 9. corosoncilab.co.nz

12. Chinese New Year Festival & Market Day
Attracting nearly 30,000 people each year, this annual Chinese New Year celebration has now become a highlight of the Auckland summer events calendar. Experience over 200 specialist stalls selling traditional and exotic Chinese delicacies and explore all of the fantastic entertainment.
 ASB Showgrounds Auckland, January 23. aucklandchinese.org.nz

13. The Great War Exhibition
Created by Sir Peter Jackson as part of the WW100 programme, The Great War Exhibition commemorates the significant part that New Zealand played in the First World War. In true Sir Peter Jackson fashion, this is a three-part exhibition where visitors can experience the gritty battlefield and hardships faced back home.
 Dominion Museum Building Wellington, open now greatwarexhibition.nz

14. Wellington Pasifika Festival - Summer City
Experience the sights, sounds and flavours of the Pacific with delicious food and performances by traditional and contemporary Pacific artists.
 Waitangi Park Wellington, January 25. wellington.govt.nz

15. Flamingo Pier Waiheke 2016
Relax in a tree-hung hammock with a frozen cocktail and experience summer with great food and dancing at this year's Flamingo Pier.
 Rangihoua Estate, Waiheke Island, January 23. flamingopier.net 

16. Tali and Georgie Fisher Summer Tour
This dynamic duo encompasses a completely unique sound. The tour will see Georgie on her acoustic guitar and Tali triggering beats on the keys. 
 Buy tickets at dashtickets.co.nz

17. Silo Park Cinemas
Head down to the waterfront and enjoy a film projected onto the giant silos. This month's line-up includes Top Gun, The Devil Wears Prada, The Endless Summer and The Secret Garden.
 Silo Park Auckland, every Friday night in January. silopark.co.nz

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