Top picks to keep you busy this weekend

Round the Horn, Hopetoun Brown.

Be in the swim

Challenge yourself on Lake Taupo this weekend with the 2018 Epic Swim, an annual open-water event held over two days that caters for all ages and abilities. Children can choose between 100m and 500m distances, while there are 1km and 2.5km options for intermediate swimmers and 5km-10km races for those strongest in the water. Real pros can compete in the Epic race — 17.5km combining the 10km, 5km and 2.5km courses.

Held in conjunction with the New Zealand Open Water Championships and the New Zealand Secondary School Championships.

Photo / 123RF

Saturday, January 13, and Sunday, January 14, 8am-3pm, Lake Taupo Yacht Club,9Ferry Rd. Entry from $5.

epicswim.swimming.org.nz

Laugh your arse off

If you're holidaying in the beautiful Bay of Plenty and the family time is getting too much, let off some steam with a few belly laughs at The Mount Comedy Festival in the Mauao Performing Arts Centre. In the line-up, hosted by 7 Days favourite Ben Hurley over three nights, starting Thursday, are Urzila Carlson, Brendhan Lovegrove and Justine Smith.

11 Totara St, Mt Maunganui, Thursday, January 11 to Saturday, January 13, from 8pm. Tickets from $38.50 at

eventfinda.co.nz

Urzila Carlson.

What a racket

There's little betterthan spending a day in the sun at the tennis, with world-class action on the courts and a refreshing beverage in hand.

Saturday marks the final day of this year's ASB Classic, where the best of the men will be battling it out for the top prize. It's still early days by the time Travel goes to press, but among the players in with a chance are Americans Jack Sock, John Isner and Sam Querrey, and Argentinian Juan Martin del Potro.

ASB Tennis Centre,1 Tennis Ln, Parnell, until Saturday, January 13, from 11am. Tickets from $18.50, at Ticketek. Visit

asbclassic.co.nz

Mini music festival

Get out of the city for the weekend and head up to Leigh for three great gigs at the Sawmill Cafe. On Friday night, Round the Horn sees Hopetoun Brown (Tim Stewart and Nick Atkinson) and Finn Scholes row ashore inadingy filled with their tubas, trombones, saxophones and a giant clarinet. Inside the venue, Scholes will play the grand piano while Hopetoun Brown blow their own trumpets.

Then on Saturday, Wellington singer-songwriter Louis Baker (Rainbow, Back on My Feet, Addict) will debut his new band and songs. On Sunday, pay tribute to Fleetwood Mac with a five-piece band performing two sets of timeless Fleetwood Mac songs. Rooms and great food and beer are available. 142 Pakiri Rd, Friday, January 12, 9pm; Saturday, January 13, 8pm; Sunday, January 14, 4.30pm. All tickets from $20, more on the door.
sawmillcafe.co.nz