January is Auckland at its fullest: the city empties out for the beach one week and fills back up for a run of genuinely good events the next. If you're mapping out your month — or you've got visitors staying and need something worth leaving the house for — here are four options worth knowing about, running from the first week of January into the start of February.

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We've ordered these chronologically by start date, so you can see what's coming up first. The ASB Classic is included as a paid partnership; it also happens to run first and longest of the four, spanning nearly the whole first half of the month. The rest are ours: no one paid to be included.

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ASB Classic 2027

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Auckland's summer tennis tournament returns to Manuka Doctor Arena in Parnell, with defending champion Elina Svitolina — currently world No. 9 — confirmed as the first player in the 2027 field. The WTA Women's event runs 4–10 January, followed by the ATP Men's event from 11–16 January.

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Why it belongs: It's a genuine drawcard on the international tennis calendar and one of the longer-running events in this guide, giving readers a wide window to fit it into their January plans.

Practical details: 4–16 January 2027, Manuka Doctor Arena, Stanley Street, Parnell. Tickets on sale now, from around $20 for single sessions up to $1,480 for tournament passes.

Who it suits: Tennis fans, sports-curious visitors, and anyone after a lively daytime or evening outing during the tournament window.

Buy tickets: asbclassic.co.nz (hyperlink to https://asbclassic.co.nz/)

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Foo Fighters — "Take Cover Tour"

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One of the biggest stadium rock shows to land in Auckland this summer, at Western Springs Bowl.

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Why it belongs: A genuine big-ticket music event that gives this guide range beyond tennis and outdoor family activities — a strong pick for readers after a proper night out.

Practical details: 22 January 2027, Western Springs Bowl. Tickets $99.90–$249.90.

Who it suits: Music fans and anyone planning a night out around a major touring act.

Buy tickets: aucklandlive.co.nz — Foo Fighters (hyperlink to https://www.aucklandlive.co.nz/show/foo-fighters)

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Auckland Folk Festival

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A multi-day folk and roots music festival at Kumeū Showgrounds, running from late January into February.

Why it belongs: A longer-format, family-friendly alternative to a single-night gig — good for readers wanting a weekend built around live music rather than a single show.

Practical details: 29 January – 1 February 2027, Kumeū Showgrounds. Tickets $21.63–$358.56, depending on pass type.

Who it suits: Families and festival-goers after a multi-day outdoor music experience, and anyone keen on folk and roots acts specifically.

Buy tickets: aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz (hyperlink to https://www.aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz/)

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Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta

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A free-to-watch sailing regatta on the Waitematā Harbour, held on Auckland Anniversary Day.

Why it belongs: The only free entry in this guide, and a genuinely different way to spend the public holiday — watching from the waterfront rather than buying a ticket to anything.

Practical details: Monday 1 February 2027, Waitematā Harbour. Free to watch.

Who it suits: Families, anyone looking for a free public-holiday outing, and readers who enjoy watching sailing or harbour life generally.

More information: regatta.org.nz (hyperlink to https://regatta.org.nz/)

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