Sun, sound, and summer energy collide at Mondrian Gold Coast’s poolside party. Photo / Supplied
Sun, sound, and summer energy collide at Mondrian Gold Coast’s poolside party. Photo / Supplied
Burleigh’s ultimate pool party
Summer on the Gold Coast hits a new high with Mondrian Gold Coast’s Sounds of Summer: Long Weekender, an elevated poolside music experience that blends global DJ culture with Burleigh’s laid-back coastal lifestyle. Taking over Haven Pool Club on Friday 23 January, the event runs from1pm to 8pm, transforming the iconic pool into a luxe open-air stage with sweeping ocean views. International headliners Solardo lead the lineup, bringing their festival-ready house and techno sound to the coast, supported by standout local DJs including Kessin, Danni B, Chunky, and Kioses b2b Lillee Ripoll. Tickets start from $70, entry only plus booking fee. For Kiwis who travel for music and summer energy, this is a standout reason to cross the Tasman. moshtix.com.au/v2/event/mondrian-presents-sounds-of-summer-long-weekender/189714
Mondrian Gold Coast. Photo / Justin NIcholas
A new peak in Queenstown
Queenstown has a striking new address for alpine indulgence with the opening of Coronet Ridge Resort, a five-star retreat set high above the Shotover River in Arthur’s Point. Fresh from a multi-million-dollar transformation, the intimate 41-room resort blends dramatic Southern Alps scenery with refined, contemporary luxury. Each room features a private balcony or patio with sweeping mountain or river views, wrapped in warm natural tones and bespoke finishes. Dining takes centre stage at Elevation Bar and Restaurant, where seasonal menus showcase local produce against panoramic backdrops, while winter evenings invite fireside drinks in the Library Bar. Guests can unwind in outdoor hot tubs, a Roman-inspired spa, private cinema, and premium wellness facilities. Just minutes from Coronet Peak and central Queenstown, Coronet Ridge Resort offers Kiwis a new way to experience alpine luxury without leaving home. coronetridge.co.nz
This is what waking up in the Southern Alps looks like now. Photo / Supplied
Ponsonby Walking Food Tour
Auckland’s most stylish strip gets a delicious new way to explore with the launch of the Walk. Talk. Eat. Repeat Ponsonby Road Food Tour in January 2026. Designed as a three-hour walking adventure, this intimate experience invites food lovers to taste their way through Ponsonby while uncovering the stories behind its iconic eateries and creative spaces. Guests can expect artisan ice cream, Italian favourites, Asian inspired bites, and classic Ponsonby flavours, all served with insights from the passionate owner-operators who shape the neighbourhood. The tour also weaves in visits to boutique fashion houses and perfumeries, adding a full sensory layer beyond the plate. Tours start at $225 per person, and groups are limited to 12 people, visit thebigfoody.com for the tour schedule.
The Big Foody Food Tours by Elle Armon-Jones. Photo / Babiche Martens
Inspiring Vacation Travel Show
Auckland travellers can plan their next big adventure in one place as Inspiring Vacations brings The Greatest Travel Show to the city this summer. Running January 30 to 31 at the Mövenpick Hotel Auckland, the free event combines travel inspiration, expert advice and exclusive deals across tours, cruises and rail journeys. A standout feature for Kiwis is access to Book Now Pay Later flight options, with dedicated flight specialists on site to help travellers lock in flights that align with their tour plans while spreading the cost over time. Guests can also hear from travel experts, access event-only offers, and go in the draw to win $1,000 towards a holiday when booking on the day. Registration is essential. inspiringvacations.com/events
Meet the experts behind your next big adventure at The Greatest Travel Show in Auckland. Photo / Cam H, Event Photos Australia
Pedal through the Outback
A new seven-day e-bike adventure lets travellers ride straight into two of South Australia’s most spectacular regions. Bike About has launched a guided Flinders Ranges, Outback and Clare Valley tour that pairs remote wilderness with celebrated food and wine country. The journey explores the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, recently named the only Australian destination on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026 list, before finishing along the vineyard-lined Clare Valley Riesling Trail.
Designed for strong beginners and intermediate riders, the tour blends off-road riding, guided cultural experiences, scenic hikes and wine tastings, all supported by e-bikes. Departures run across winter 2026 on June 14–20, July 19–25, August 9–15, and August 30–September 5. For Kiwis who love active travel with depth and scenery, this is a rare chance to explore iconic landscapes at a slower, more immersive pace. bikeabout.com.au/book-a-tour
An e-bike journey through ancient ranges, wide skies and wine country calm. Photo / Supplied
