What’s on: December and January 2025 highlights

16 November – 2 March
Auckland Botanic Gardens, Auckland

Head along with friends and family and be wowed by a spectacular display of sculptures by talented artists from across the motu at Auckland’s most popular free outdoor art event.

Experience quirky and thought-provoking artworks, soaring monumental sculptures, and sound and light installations, each thoughtfully placed for maximum effect in the stunning Auckland Botanic Gardens. There is also an indoor gallery with hundreds of smaller sculptures and ceramic wares for you to purchase or enjoy.

Pack a picnic or have a bite to eat at the garden’s café – canine friends are welcome to enjoy this biennial event with you. sculptureinthegardens.nz

SCAPE Public Art

23 November – 15 February
Christchurch
With a vision for people to be excited, engaged and stimulated by contemporary public art and for Ōtautahi Christchurch to be a city with a world-class collection of public art that is widely known and visited, SCAPE Public Art is back.

This year’s theme set by Managing Curator Tyson Campbell is Material/Immaterial Worlds, in which Tyler has asked the artists, ‘How does an unseen world affect your physical world?’

Explore temporary and permanent artworks around the central city, weaving around historic and natural landmarks. You can download the map, take a self-guided walk or sign up for a free curated walk. The choice is yours. scapepublicart.org.nz

The Art of Bansky

Art, culture and politics collide with this blockbuster exhibition of Banksy’s works. Get up close to the art that has influenced a generation with this major global exhibition showcasing over
150 original and authenticated Banksy pieces from across his prolific career.

See iconic works like Girl with Balloon in four colour variations, including the rare gold edition. Delve into the origins of Flower Thrower, Rude Copper alongside other unique works including hand-drawn sketches and personal artworks which Banksy created for friends, colleagues and lovers. The exhibition also focuses on Banksy’s Dismaland, The Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem and recent artworks which acknowledge the ongoing war in Ukraine.

While not curated or authorised by the artist, this is the world’s largest collection of original and authenticated Banksy artworks, many of which are on public display for the very first time. theartofbanksy.nz

Taste Whanganui Festival

14 December
Majestic Square, Whanganui

This delicious festival features epicurean food and beverages showcasing local cuisine and craft beer alongside boutique distilleries and vineyards from around New Zealand, with live music and tastings, demonstrations and workshops right in the heart of Whanganui.

Guaranteed to be a fun day filled with delicious beverages, food and live entertainment, it is the perfect occasion for an end-of-year last hoorah. discoverwhanganui.nz

Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery

14 December – 27 April
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa

Explore the jewellery of the acclaimed British fashion designer and punk icon at Te Papa.

This world-first exhibition of renowned British fashion house Vivienne Westwood will show an impressive collection of archival and runway pieces. See over 550 pieces of jewellery and over
15 complete ensembles and garments. The works span four decades, showcasing the breadth of Westwood’s career.

Bold and rebellious designs are a cornerstone of Westwood’s identity. The designer is credited with bringing punk to the mainstream. She didn’t shy away from socio-political themes and subversive styles.

Westwood’s story will be told through a series of rooms, each meticulously curated with distinct decades of design, allowing the visitors
to journey through time from the 1980s to the present day – exploring eclectic pairings
of jewellery and garments, and accessories, evoking the fashion house’s iconic style. tepapa.govt.nz

Caroline Bay Carnival

26 December – 12 January
Caroline Bay, Timaru

Every year from Boxing Day, Timaru turns it on with their iconic Caroline Bay Carnival. Drawing crowds from across the motu, there is something for every age and member of the family. The iconic Sound Shell is in full rotation with music from across the ages setting the scene, while fireworks on New Years Eve, carnival rides, mini golf and a world-class playground will delight.

For those looking to take the stage themselves, the Talent Quest is held in early January. A must-attend this year is Kiwi music legend Jason Kerrison who will be playing in the Sound Shell on 9 January – other must-listens include the Timaru Band Livewire and their The Feel of Neil Diamond tribute show. carolinebay.co.nz

Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert

18 January
Gibston Valley, Queenstown

An iconic event on the Central Otago music scene, this annual concert draws visitors from across New Zealand. This year the all-star powerhouse bill will feature renowned artists Cold Chisel, ICEHOUSE, Bic Runga and Everclear. Set to be a mammoth anniversary celebration as Cold Chisel celebrate 50 years and Icehouse 45 years since their first New Zealand tour; and the festival 15 years.

Cold Chisel guitarist and singer Ian Moss has reassured fans they’ll hear the most popular hits in the setlist. ‘There are a minimum of 15 songs that our audience demands to hear. This time we’ll be playing all of them plus we’ll be throwing in lots of musical surprises.’ gibbstonvalley.com

Edendale Crank Up

24–26 January
Edendale Vintage Machinery Club, Edendale

The Edendale Vintage Machinery Club was formed by a group of like-minded enthusiasts in 1986 initially to run a get-together of old machinery. Their Annual Crank Up weekend is held at the end of January every year, kick-started with a street parade around Edendale.

The following days are a weekend of entertainment for the whole family including static displays, parades, steam engines, craft stalls, children’s entertainment and more. A must-attend for vintage machine enthusiasts. edendalevmc.co.nz

First Light Marathon

25 January

Midway Beach, Gisborne

For those looking for a reason to hit the pavements, the First Light Marathon is a great one. Be the first in the world to greet the new day as you race along the coast, immersing yourself in the beauty of Gisborne’s spectacular beaches, majestic coastal views and challenging grassy hills.

Catering for all, the event features a marathon, half-marathon and a six-kilometre fun run. Grab your friends, get training and head along for a beautiful adventure. first-light-marathon.com

Vine Run

26 January
Pegasus Bay, North Canterbury

Raising funds to support the New Zealand Brain Research Institute, the Vine Run is set among the vines of the striking Pegasus Bay Winery. Traverse hills, wind through valleys and enjoy the atmosphere as people come from far and wide to take part.

Whether you are out to beat your personal best or there with the girls dressed to impress, this is an event for every age, stage and capability. The spectacular grounds and entertainment will keep the support crew well entertained while the wine at the end is a well-earned souvenir. vinerun.co.nz