In Partnership with McDonald’s
Stuck for gig ideas across New Zealand this summer? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
As soon as the sun breaks through the Land of the Long White Cloud, Kiwis really have only one thing on their mind: going to concerts and festivals.
Seeing live music with your mates often involves a classic summer road trip, whether you’re driving into Auckland CBD for a headline show at Spark Arena or trekking to the South Island for Rhythm & Alps, and summer roadie season also means Driver Tax.
Us drivers know what that means: whatever your mates are munching on while you’re behind the wheel, you crave – nay, deserve – a cut.
Luckily Macca’s has you covered with a Driver Tax Calculator so you don’t have to calculate what you’re owed yourself. Simply download the Macca’s app to work out what your passengers owe you, and you can even help them pay it with cool food deals all summer long. When you get to pick the tunes AND get the Driver Tax, it feels good to be the driver.
Before you hit the road, check out our list of the best gigs taking place around New Zealand between January 26th-February 9th below.
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Will Swinton
Friday, January 26th
The Tuning Fork, Auckland
Saturday, January 27th
Meow, Wellington
Tickets: Moshtix
Named as one of Rolling Stone AU/NZ‘s ‘Up-And-Coming Aotearoa Artists’ last year, Will Swinton is heading for big things in 2024 and beyond. Swinton left his Auckland bedroom behind to pursue his music dream in Los Angeles, but he’s returning to his hometown – as well as Wellington – this weekend to play his soul-searching DIY anthems.
Amanda Palmer
Saturday, January 27th
Old St Paul’s, Wellington
Tickets: Banished Music
The one and only Amanda Palmer is bringing old and new songs to an intimate New Zealand tour at the end of January (read her Rolling Stone AU/NZ interview about the tour here). The acclaimed multi-hyphenate unexpectedly found herself spending two years in this country with her young son during the pandemic, so the accidental Kiwi is looking forward to performing to catching up with audiences in Queenstown, Auckland, and now Wellington.
“I wanted to come back for this short tour – not only because I’m homesick for my Kiwi friends, but because I’d like to share the music: the handful of songs that helped me survive this period of my life,” the Dresden Dolls member says.
Summer Thieves
Saturday, January 27th
Waihi Beach Hotel, Waihi
Tickets: Loop
Beloved indie rock outfit Summer Thieves are bringing their album release tour to Waihi at the end of January. Their latest album, Cigarettes in Space, was given a positive review by Rolling Stone AU/NZ, with the band noted as sounding “festival-ready.”
Melanie Martinez
Sunday, January 28th
Spark Arena, Auckland
Tickets: Live Nation
A modern alt-pop icon, Martinez is bringing her tour to Auckland for a one of a kind show. Martinez arrives in support of her third studio album, Portals, released last year to positive reviews. There’s a reason Rolling Stone named Portals as one of the best albums of 2023.
grandson
Tuesday, January 30th
Powerstation, Auckland
Tickets: AAA Ticketing
The unique grandson is coming to New Zealand for the first time in January for the final leg of his world tour (read his Tone Deaf interview about the tour here). With a sound that jumps from alternative rock to hip hop to electronic and everything in between, grandson’s creativity never rests. His second album, I Love You, I’m Trying [2023], was his most personal record yet.
Alex Cameron & Roy Molloy
Friday, February 2nd
Hollywood Avondale, Auckland
Saturday, February 3rd
Meow, Wellington
Tickets: Under the Radar
Do you like your singer-songwriters to be strange, idiosyncratic, and alluring? Then look no further than Alex Cameron. The endlessly entertaining pop-rock artist is coming to Auckland and Wellington alongside his longtime collaborator and saxophonist Roy Molloy, with local experimental pop artist D.C. Maxwell offering stellar support.
Loud and Proud Festival
Saturday, February 3rd
Whammy Bar, Auckland
Tickets: Under the Radar
Just in time for Auckland Pride comes Loud and Proud Festival, a showcase for underground LGBTQIA artists. An eclectic collection of excellent local musicians has been assembled for the occasion, including Roy Irwin, P.H.F., Kraus, and Baby Zionov. Expect the unexpected.
Laneway 2024
Tuesday, February 6th
Western Springs, Auckland
Tickets: Laneway
It’s finally back. The iconic Laneway Festival returns to New Zealand next month, heading to a new location at Auckland’s Western Springs Stadium. A strong mixture of international acts and local favourites will perform at Laneway on Waitangi Day, from Steve Lacy and Stormzy to Molly Payton and Erny Belle.
Ferry Corsten
Thursday, February 8th
Studio The Venue, Auckland
Tickets: Eventbrite
Dance music legend is bringing the party to Auckland in February. His ‘What The F!’ show will see Corsten, System F, and Gouryella play energetic sets all in one night. Corsten is a mainstay at festivals across the world, from Tomorrowland to Electric Daisy Carnival.
