January is peak summer in New Zealand. Schools are on holiday, the days are long and most cities run a full calendar of outdoor events. The list below covers the events that return every January, so it stays useful year after year. Dates move slightly each year, so check the organiser's website before you book anything.
If you are planning a family outing, a work function or a trip with friends, booking transport early makes a big difference in January, because so many people are travelling at once.
Annual January events
ASB Classic, Auckland
New Zealand's top international tennis tournament runs over two weeks in early to mid January at the Manuka Doctor Arena (formerly the ASB Tennis Centre) on Stanley Street. The women's WTA event comes first, followed by the men's ATP week. Corporate groups often book hospitality packages, which makes it a popular one for group transport.
Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta
Held on Auckland Anniversary weekend in late January, the regatta has been sailed on the Waitematā Harbour since 1840 and is one of the oldest in the world. The waterfront is the best place to watch.
World Buskers Festival, Christchurch
For ten days in late January, street performers, comedians, acrobats and circus acts take over central Christchurch. Many shows are free or pay-what-you-can, with ticketed headline shows in the evenings, so it suits school holiday groups and families.
TSB Festival of Lights, New Plymouth
Pukekura Park is lit up every evening from mid December until late January, with free entry, live music and night-time walks through the park. It is a good evening trip for groups staying in Taranaki.
Waipu Highland Games
Held every New Year's Day in Northland, the Waipu Highland Games are one of the longest-running Highland games outside Scotland, with pipe bands, dancing and heavy events such as caber tossing.
McGazza Memorial Festival, Queenstown
A late-January mountain bike festival that celebrates local rider Kelly McGarry and raises money for the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club.
Public holidays to plan around
New Year's Day and the day after are public holidays nationally. Wellington Anniversary Day falls on the Monday closest to 22 January and Auckland Anniversary Day on the Monday closest to 29 January. Expect heavy holiday traffic and book coaches well ahead of these weekends.
Getting your group there
Big January events bring road closures, limited parking and long taxi queues at the end of the night. A private minibus or coach keeps your group together, gets you to the official drop-off zone and takes everyone home at a set time.
- Book early for long weekends and the biggest festivals, as coaches in the host town are often fully booked weeks ahead.
- Check the event's transport page for the bus drop-off point before you confirm pick-up times.
- Allow extra time after the last act or final whistle for crowds to clear.
- For multi-day festivals, ask about a return trip on each day or a single drop-off and pick-up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the busiest weekend for events in January?
Auckland Anniversary weekend at the end of the month is usually the busiest, with the regatta in Auckland and festivals around the North Island.
Do I need to book group transport early in January?
Yes. January is the peak holiday month, and minibuses and coaches book out quickly around long weekends. We recommend requesting a quote as soon as your date is set.
Book group transport for January events
Bus Hire NZ arranges minibuses and coaches for groups of all sizes, from 11-seat minibuses to 53-seat coaches, with professional drivers who know the venues, the drop-off points and the event traffic plans.
Tell us your event, date and group size through our quick quote form, and we will come back with options.