Soundsplash is celebrating 25 years and returns to Wainui Reserve, Raglan this month.
● Waka Ama Sprint Nationals, sport event, until January 17, Lake Karāpiro
About 4500 paddlers from around New Zealand and aged from 5 to over 85 have descended on Waikato. The event is also a qualifier for the 2026 International Va’a Federation World Sprint Championships in Singapore in August.
● Giltrap Group Taupō Historic GP, automotive event, January 17-18 at Taupō International Motorsport Park
This event celebrates the history of motorsport with an international lineup of Formula Atlantics joining their New Zealand counterparts for on-track action and off-track displays. Tickets online via nextgennz.flicket.co.nz.
● Australasian Open Disc Golf Championship, sport event, until January 18, Spa Park, Taupō
The 2026 Australasian Open brings together the best players to showcase excellence at the highest level of international disc golf. The Pro divisions will be playing for an estimated $15,000 purse.
● Soundsplash, music festival, until January 18, Wainui Reserve, Raglan
Soundsplash is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The lineup includes Tiki Taane, Harper Finn, Flamingo Pier, Ladi6 and Balu Brigada. Tickets online via soundsplash.flicket.co.nz.
● The Ninja Run, sport experience, until February 1, Claudelands Oval, Hamilton
This obstacle course run includes 14 inflatable obstacles, a 13m waterslide, music, food and outdoor games. You can choose a course length and format and win prizes. Tickets online via theninjarun.co.nz.
● GLOtron, experience, until February 28, at Centre Place, Hamilton
This glow-in-the-dark, pop-up experience invites families to wander through a maze of interactive storyscapes and discover multi-sensory creatures and characters. This Glow Show’s mash-up of science, education, art, storytelling and puppetry has charmed more than 130,000 Kiwi kids since 2017. Tickets at the door or online via Eventfinda.
● Gourmet in the Gardens, food truck event, January 18, 4pm at Rhododendron Lawn at Hamilton Gardens
Listen to local live music while dining from a lineup of local food trucks. Bring your picnic blankets, chairs and sunscreen. Free entry.
● Festival One, music Festival, January 23-26, Hartford, Karāpiro
The annual Christian music festival is back at Karāpiro with lots of music, workshops and stalls. The lineup includes Georgia Lines, Late 80’s Mercedes, and Albert Street. Tickets online via iTicket.
● Summer Concert Tour, January 24, Taupō Amphitheatre
Iggy Pop and Joan Jett and The Blackhearts are going to perform in Taupō as part of the annual Summer Concert Tour. Tickets online via moshtix.co.nz.
● Wings and Wheels, automotive event, January 24, 10am at Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield, Thames
Walk around a display of vintage and classic cars, trucks and historic military vehicles. There will also be an air show.
● Manu World Champs Hamilton heat, sport event, January 24-25 at Waterworld, Hamilton
The event is all about celebrating the art of the dive bomb. Legends from all walks of life come together to make waves and hope to compete in the national grand final in Auckland in March. More info at manuworldchamps.com.
● Jimmy Carr – Laughs Funny, comedy show, January 27, 8pm at Claudelands Event Centre, Hamilton
Comedian Jimmy Carr is back on tour with a new show. If you like fast-paced, edgy one-liners then this is for you. Tickets online via Ticketek.
● Circus in the Centre, family event, January 24 and 31, 10am at Garden Place, Hamilton
Garden Place will turn into a lively circus zone, where circus tutors are offering free family-friendly sessions on juggling, hula hooping, spinning plates and more.