YOUR GUIDE TO THE SUMMER
MUSIC IN PARKS
Always a highlight of Tāmaki Makaurau’s summer calendar, Music in Parks starts on January 13 at Maraetai with The RVMES, Mohi and Levi Lights On, followed by Jazz at the Rotunda on January 14. The concerts are free and take place at different locations every weekend. Throughout the summer you get to see a broad range of up- and- coming and established New Zealand artists do their thing while lapping up the summer sun in local parks. Check the schedule to see when it’s coming to a park near you. January 13- March 23. Various locations in Tāmaki Makaurau. Visit musicinparks. co. nz or the Music in Parks Facebook page for the full schedule.
HAVE A CLASSIC AUCKLAND SUMMER
If you’re spending the first days of 2024 in the Big Smoke, then you’re unlikely to find better summer entertainment than the ASB Classic. It kicks off on New Year’s Day with the women’s tournament, featuring 19- year- old US Open champion Coco Gauff as well as former World No. 1 and now mum of two, Caroline Wozniacki. The men’s tournament follows from January 8- 13 with former Bucklands Beach Tennis Club member- turnedBritish No. 1 Cam Norrie, French- Canadian Felix Auger- Aliassime and rising American star Ben Shelton. The food and beverage game is always strong at Stanley St with the G. H. Mumm garden, Aperol Serve Up Summer bar, Schweppes Social Club, Grey Goose bar, new Heineken Silver and Gwen by Church Road, as well as some quality culinary delights. All in all, it’s a great place to spend a lazy day or three watching other people work hard. January 1- 13. ASB Tennis Arena, Stanley St, Auckland. Tickets $ 14-$ 69 for day and night sessions, tournament passes start at $ 475 from asbclassic. flicket. co. nz
CALLING C ALL BUDDING PENGUIN IN KEEPERS
Seven weeks we or more without school can feel like an eternity, ernity, especially when you’re greeted each morning with the phrase “What are we do doing today?” followed in quick succession by “I’m ’ m bored.” O One way to keep young people entertained this summer is by taking them into Kelly Tarlton’s where they ey can participate in the summer Junior Penguin Keeper eeper programme. There are keeper talks, an interactive ctive trail and a “Penguin Hospital” where Junior ior Penguin Keepers can do penguin check- ups on plushies p guided by the education staff. This isn’t ’ t a drop- off situation, you’ll need to stay with h y your kids, but at least you’ll learn a thing or two o about the plight of penguins yourself. . On now until January 31. Kelly Tarlton’s, 23 3 Tāmaki Drive, Ōrākei. $ 45 per adult and $ 32 2 pe per child ( free for under 3). Book at visitsealife. e. com/ auckland/ plan- your- day/ information/ schoollholidays- activities/ junior- penguin- keeper er
FAMILY F FUN IN THE CBD
In the height of summer, the CBD isn’t always the first destination d that comes to mind for a family day out but it has more m on offer than you might think. Start at the bottom at Wynyard W Quarter where, aside from great eateries, there’s plenty for fo the kids to explore including the Sounds of Sea silver funnels a along North Wharf, the play space at Silo Park, the Auckland D Dockline Tram that runs at weekends during the holidays and the t Silo Park basketball court. If the younger members of your party p can handle a bit of a hike, work your way up through the city — possibly stopping in for some light summer sales shopping — finishing up with a cool- off at the Myers Park splash pad and a run around the playground. A city adventure can be cheap as chips or throw in some high- end eats and treats and you’ve got yourself a chic urban extravaganza.
Any time. Auckland CBD.