2023 has commenced and with summer in full swing, there’s plenty of thrilling activities happening around this marvellous city. Make the most of the first month of the year by taking a look at these 21 best things to do this January 2023 in Auckland.
1. Take the SkySlide
This new virtual reality attraction involves state-of-the-art technology taking you on an adrenaline-pumping slide from 186m above Auckland’s skyline. As you slide down imaginary glass tubes, you’ll feel the intensity as if it’s reality.
📍Sky Tower, Main Observation Deck, Auckland
2. Admire Animalia of Kahlo exhibition
Watch as art and science collide in this Frida Kahlo-inspired exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery. Animalia of Kahlo: Masterful monkeys with Auckland Zoo teaches visitors about the animal that inspired Kahlo’s works, as well as Kat Greenham of Auckland Zoo, showing a troop of black-handed spider monkeys live from the zoo.
📍Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
3. International Buskers Festival 2023
From January 27 to 30, the 23rd annual Auckland International Buskers Festival will brighten up the city after being cancelled last year due to COVID. Expect a host of exciting entertainers, from across the globe, such as The Secret Circus from America, South Korea’s Charming Jay and plenty more.
📍Various Locations
SEE MORE: The Best Festivals Happening In Auckland This Year
4. Enjoy a Mexican extravaganza
La Fiesta is a free festival taking place on January 14 at Auckland Art Gallery. Enjoy free tasters of delicious Mexican food, participate in fun workshops and games, and watch colourful dance performances, to name a few things.
📍Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
5. Celebrate the world’s biggest regatta
Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta 2023 will take place on January 30 at West Auckland’s Harbours. First launched in 1840, it’s the world’s biggest one-day sailing regatta, now featuring an array of vintage superstar vessels as well as high-tech future ships and boats. Certainly, a superb place to catch some excitement.
📍The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, 181 Westhaven drive, Westhaven, Auckland
6. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera: Art And Life In Modern Mexico
Auckland Art Gallery has hosted this epic exhibition the past few weeks. Read all about it here. Certainly, one of the best things to do in Auckland before it finishes on January 22.
📍Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
7. Welcome the year of the rabbit
The Chinese New Year 2023 will be the Year Of The Rabbit. Celebrations will happen mid-January until February across the city, with the main event to ring in the new year on January 21. For instance, Auckland Chinese Community Centre hosts a free Chinese New Year festival at Auckland Showgrounds. It boasts extensive entertainment, food markets, culture, music programmes and much more.
📍Hall 3 & 4, Auckland Showgrounds, Auckland
SEE MORE: The Best Chinese Restaurants In Auckland
8. Tick off a summer activity
From outdoor activities to watersports, trips to Waiheke Island and plenty more…you’ll be spoilt for choice with the amount of fun things to do during the summer in Auckland. Pick from our list here.
9. Have a picnic at Devonport
The North Head Historic Reserve Trail is an unbeatable place to have a picnic this summer. Perch your blanket on the hilltop, and watch as the city turns from day to night. Alternatively, there’s other fantastic picnic areas in Auckland. Plus, it’s one of the best free things to do if you’re broke after the holidays!
📍 Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand
10. Sail away on the seas
New Zealand Maritime Museum relaunched their Breeze Sailing adventure every second Saturday until the end of March. This exciting sailing experience involves a trip on a traditional wooden vessel from the 19th century. Guests must be 12 or older to sail. Prices start at $95.
📍Corner Quay & Hobson Streets, Auckland CBD, Auckland
11. Play at Holey Moley Golf Club
As one of the best date ideas in Auckland, you won’t get bored in this house of fun. Enjoy mini golf experience paired cocktails, scrumptious food and plenty of instagrammable moments.
📍 204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
12. Hideaway in a secret new cocktail bar
ACS is a cosy new cocktail bar hidden above The Broken Lantern on Ponsonby Road last month. Concepted by the folks from Parasol & Swing, this beautiful bar is perfect for a late-night drink, however, you won’t get in without the password. Read further about it here.
📍Level 2, 198 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
13. Indulge at the Food Truck Collective
Get the ultimate street food fix at this mobile food truck collective that ventures around Auckland. On January 14, they will be at William Fraser Reserve in Omaha. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for further pop-up dates in January. Read all about the business here.
📍Various Locations
14. Visit NZ’s highest rooftop bar
Excitingly, New Zealand’s highest rooftop bar opened in Auckland. Read all about Bar Albert here.
SEE MORE: The Greatest Rooftops To Hang Out At This Summer
15. Attend a Candlelight concert
The globally famous Candlelight concerts have upped their game in Auckland with more tributes to contemporary artists. Expect some festive tributes this month. See the best upcoming candlelight concerts here.
📍Various Locations
16. Escape Rooms
Why not battle it out in an escape room some weekend day? Get tickets here.
📍Victoria Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
17. Drink bottomless boozy slushies
Dr Rudi’s rooftop has relaunched their famous summer experience, Frosé Your Way, until February 29. Wow your tastebuds with bottomless fruity frose, alongside a garnish wall, where you can DIY the crap out of your drink. Read all about the experience.
📍 Level 2/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
18. Head to Rainbow’s End
Of course, this is one of the best outdoor activities to do in Auckland. Discover this unique theme park, with plenty of rides such as water bumper cars to laser tag.
📍 2 Clist Crescent, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104, New Zealand
19. Go wild at Thrillzone
A perfect activity for people of all ages to take part in virtual reality experiences. Certainly, it will provoke some laughter. Plus, it’s ideal for a birthday party.
📍Various Locations
20. Go on an instagrammable adventure
The photo lovers among us will adore the most instagrammable places in Auckland along with the most instagrammable eateries. Meanwhile, the foodies can get their hands on the most instagrammable food dishes in Auckland.
📍 Various Locations
21. Eat viral crème brûlée crepes
These viral Crème brûlée crepes are making the rounds across social media globally. Luckily, you can indulge on them every Saturday in Auckland. Find out more here.
📍 9/56 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 1010, New Zealand