NEW YEAR
Matakana - Highlife
Just a 40 minute drive north - with a bus service available - is an intimate boutique style event held in the pretty surrounds of Matakana Country Park (which will also host the Bloom Festival on January 20). Featuring an array of music from indie to jazz from local and international artists, the event culminates in a massive fireworks display at midnight. Take a break during the day totry the jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards available for hire.
Where: Matakana Country Park. 1 Omaha Flats Road, Matakana.
When: Check in 8am, December 30 [campsite available up till January 4].
How much: First issue tickets: $105; VIP upgrade on top of the GA ticket price: $85.00; 3 night camping Omaha Beach : $100; One night camping Omaha Beach : $40
Tickets available from www.iticket.co.nz
Jamrok - Waiheke
Ring in 2012 island style. Under the shade of a massive leafy elm tree on a hectare of prime beachfront, The Bay in Matiatia, is an idyllic spot where you can escape the mainland crowds to enjoy Waiheke festivities.
Set amongst lush gardens, a purpose built pavilion will stage a medley of musicians playing house, funk, hip hop, reggae and soul.
When: 1pm, December 31 - 1am, January 1.
Where: 10 Ocean's View Road, Matiatia, Waiheke.
How much: $65 tickets available from www.iticket.co.nz
Brendon Ham Band - Honkey-Tonk Country Rock
Honkey-Tonk Country Rock at the Stetson Club. Bring your cowboy hats and boots to celebrate New Year. The Brendon Ham Band will play at the Dairy Flat Community Hall and they're ready to entertain all age groups. Food and drinks at the licensed bar.
When: New Year's Eve
Where: The Stetson Club, Corner Postmans & State Highway 17
How much: $25
Web: www.stetson.co.nz
Ellerslie Races - New Year's Day
What better way to begin 2012 than getting on your glad rags and heading to the NZ Herald Christmas Carnival races on January 1.
There are 10 races scheduled for the day, and it's a great way to soak up the year's first round of sunshine. If things get too hot, there's a massive man-made beach to take a dip in or play a few rounds of beach cricket before cooking on the world's longest barbeque. Or you can step it up on the Champagne Lawn or in the Cuvee section with bubbles and a gourmet buffet lunch.
For the fashion fiends, there's the annual Fashion in the Field contest.
When: January 1, gates open 11am
Where: Ellerslie Racecourse
How much: Tickets range in price from $10 for general admission to $145 for a Chairman's Club seat. Under 15s free entry to the public lawns. Tickets available from www.ticketstore.ellerslie.co.nz
Heineken Tennis Open and Baseline After Party
World class tennis champs take the court at the ASB Stadium for the annual Heineken Tennis Open. Check out he Baseline After Party where you can chill out in bean bags and be entertained by Kiwi musos The Phoenix Foundation and Barnaby Weir from The Black Seeds.
You can also catch the qualifying rounds at North Harbour tennis stadium on Saturday January 7 and Sunday January 8 for $5.
When: Monday January 9 - Saturday January 14.
Where: 1 Tennis Lane, Parnell, off Stanley Street.
How much: Tickets range from $20 for children's entry to a night game, to full tournament tickets for up to $570.
Family passes $155 to $221
Standalone Heineken Open After Party tickets: $30
Web: www.heinekenopen.co.nz/tickets
Motat: Playing with light
More than 20 exhibits illuminate light, lasers and lenses at Motat. Have a go at dodging the light in a laser maze, painting with infrared or bouncing light down a water stream. And a trip to Motat wouldn't be complete without a visit to the aviation hanger, which features rare WWII Lancaster Bombers and the only Solent Mark IV Flying Boat in the world.
When: November 21 to February 26
Where: Motat, 805 Great North Road, Western Springs
How much: Free with normal admission fee, Adults: $14; Children (under 16): $8; Family (2 adults and up to 4 children): $35; Children under 5 free
Children's summer art classes
Looking for a creative vent for the kids over the summer break? Artstation in Ponsonby is hosting summer holiday art classes for children aged 4 to 12, from puppetry to painting and sculpture making.
When: January 16-27
Where: Artstation, 1 Ponsonby Road Newton
How much: $45-$195 For more info email: artstation@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or phone: 376 3221
In2it Art is also hold free outdoor art sessions with their Street Crew. For youth aged 10 to seventeen. For more info email: Scott@in2it.org.nz
Who dunnit? The Poisoner's exhibition, Auckland Museum
Crack the case in the ultimate summer mystery with Auckland museum's The Poisoner exhibition. Play detective and find out who killed scientist Felix Splicer. What did they use? Deadly hemlock, venomous sea snails or the vicious swipe of a bear's claw as their weapon? Follow the clues and examine the evidence to work out who committed the murder. The current suspects are adventurer Toxica Fay Tully, marine biologist Alain 'Sharkbait' Coasteau, wildlife poacher Anastasia Nastie Van Abs and the victim's twin Dr Helix Splicer.
When: December 16 - May 6, 10am-5pm
Where: Auckland Museum, Auckland Domain, Parnell
How much: $5
The beach from days gone by
Old-fashioned games and activities are at Day at the Seaside, hosted by the Maritime Museum. Children can experience beach games from the past and build sand castles or feed the fish. Auckland residents and children pay only $5 for activities with accompanying adults free. For non Auckland residents, activities are included in museum admission.
Where: Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum
When: Holiday activities run between January 9-30 from 10am-4pm daily.
On the web: Maritime museum.
Elvis in the Park
Take a picnic and your dancing shoes to Cranwell Park in Henderson for the 13th annual Elvis in the Park. A celebration of the King's birthday, you'll be entertained by a line up of slick haired Elvis performers from around the country. There'll also be a collection of classic cars to check out and Elvis memorabilia on display. Hot food and refreshments available.
When: Sunday, January 8, 11am-5pm
Where: Cranwell Park, Alderman Drive, Henderson
How much: Free
Historical Village picnic
The summer picnic held on the third Sunday of each month is part of Howick Historical Village's "Life Days". Everyone is welcome to enjoy a day outdoors just the way former New Zealanders did many years ago. Bring your picnic blankets and hampers and combine learning about history with fun.
When: Sunday, January 15, 10am-4pm
Where: Howick Historical Village, Bells Road
How much: from $0 - $14/family $38
On the web. www.fencible.org.nz