Summertime is officially here, and that means it’s time to start cutting those work hours short, getting outside and enjoying the holiday season.
Auckland has a jam-packed schedule of events planned for this December, so whatever your niche, there’s plenty for you to get your teeth stuck into as we head into summer. Here’s a look at the best 9 events happening around Auckland this December.
1. MEGALAND at Mt Smart Stadium (Thursday 1 December)
Kick December off with a bang by embracing your inner child at Mt Smart Stadium, with the MEGALAND obstacle course.
MEGALAND is the first all-ages inflatable obstacle course of its kind to come to New Zealand, featuring 43 different obstacles spread out across a 300 metre long course. Remember how fun these things used to be as a child? Now you’re able to test out your skills as an adult too!
The event will run for the first 20 days of December, with the course based in the Supertop Carpark at Mt Smart Stadium.
2. Jack Johnson Live at Western Springs (Saturday 10 December)
The second Saturday of December is shaping up to be a huge one, with a whole range of excellent events to choose from.
Those who are after a relaxed evening outdoors can head to Jack Johnson Live at Western Springs, with this outdoor concert played on the Outer Fields in Western Springs. Johnson is back for the first time in five years to New Zealand, and will be accompanied by Aotearoa’s very own Black Seeds, who will be opening with their eight-piece reggae numbers.
Gates open at 5:00 PM for this concert.
3. Pro Wrestling in Mt Eden (Saturday 10 December)
For something a little more alternative on Saturday night, an evening of terrifying pro wrestling action awaits in the Mt Eden War Memorial Hall on December 10.
Known as ‘the Nightmare Before Christmas’ for a reason, the event will be headlined by a year-long grudge match fight between ‘the Alphalete’ Charlie Roberts, and IPW NZ Heavyweight Champion Jake Shehaan. With the clash taking place within a steel cage, this is sure to be an entertaining spectacle.
Gates open from 6:30 PM, with snacks and beverages available to be purchased onsite.
4. Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park (Saturday 10 December)
For something a little more family-friendly, head on down to the Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park instead.
This annual free music concert is a staple in the calendar of many Aucklanders for good reason. Over a quarter of a million people attend each year, and with the event having not been held in the same capacity since 2019, this is going to be one of the biggest events in Auckland in 2022. With dozens of local musicians and dance acts performing, this is a fantastic way to spend your Saturday night.
Be sure to bring plenty of snacks and blankets so you can nestle in for the evening.
5. Guns N’ Roses Live at Eden Park (Saturday 10 December)
If nestling in with blankets and snacks sounds a little tame for a Saturday night, then something slightly more upbeat will be taking place down the road at Eden Park.
International rock and roll icons Guns N’ Roses will be playing at Eden Park as part of their New Zealand tour, in what is sure to be a loud, sweaty evening of old school music. The Chats and Alien Weaponry are opening to warm the crowd up before the headline act gets on stage, with the gates open from 4:00 PM.
6. Warbirds on Parade over Ardmore (Sunday 4 December)
Commemorating the anniversary of Pearl Harbour in 1941, Sunday 4 December will see a day of military aviation over Ardmore in Auckland.
A range of different historic aircraft will be on display, flying in the sky from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM with sports plans also performing different stunts and aerobatic manoeuvres. Add to this the collection of military and classic cars on the ground, and this is a fantastic opportunity to learn about history and marvel at the machinery that mankind has made.
Head to Ardmore Airport in South Auckland to check this one out.
7. Stand Up Comedy with Vir Das (Friday 9 December)
Those after a bit of a chuckle can head to the SKYCITY Theatre on Friday 9 December to check out Bollywood superstar and stand up comedian Vir Das.
Labelled one of the ‘Top 10 Comics to Watch’ by Variety Magazine, Vir Das is the biggest stand up comedian in India right now. He comes to New Zealand as part of his world tour, performing his latest show, ‘Wanted!’
With an Emmy nomination and four Netflix specials, Vir Das will be sure to have the SKYCITY Theatre in stitches on Friday night.
8. Dockyard Festival at Queens Wharf (Saturday 17 December)
If three stages pumping out house, jungle, techno and garage music sounds like a great time to you, then the Dockyard Festival is calling your name this December.
The festival will be spread out across Queens Wharf and Shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront, with a view of the Waitemata Harbour. Plenty of underground talent will be featured, as well as better known acts such as Heidi, Cinthie and X Club.
9. Red Bull Flugtag (Saturday 10 December)
Last but not least, coming to Auckland for the first time is an exciting, adrenaline-packed event sponsored by Red Bull that will display the best of Kiwi ingenuity.
Translated as ‘flight day’, the Red Bull Flugtag will see more than 30 different teams attempt to fly their homemade creations off a six metre ramp over the ocean. All machines must be fully made at home with original designs, with the winning team being the one whose flying machine travels the furthest before crashing into the ocean.
These are just a handful of the different events happening in Auckland in December 2022. With good weather and Christmas vibes in the air, there are plenty of ways to keep occupied this summer.
Are you heading to an event not on this list? Drop a comment below and let us know!
