Auckland is the place to be for great summer events

From City Scene, published on 16 December, 2007

Our city comes alive in the summer months so make sure you head along to some of the many events organised or sponsored by Auckland City Council. Here's a sample of some great January events for you to enjoy.

Auckland sets sail

Auckland sets sail: Celebrate our city's birthday at the Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta on Monday, 28 January.

Celebrate our city's birthday at the Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta on Monday, 28 January. The annual tradition began with the first regatta on the Waitemata Harbour 168 years ago, making this one of New Zealand's oldest events. Auckland City Council is proud to be a sponsor of the regatta, which encapsulates our city's maritime history and identity. You can enjoy the spectacle of the harbour coming alive from many vantage points, including Bastion Point, Tamaki Drive and Orakei Wharf. Head along to see the event - starting with the Parade of Sail at 9am from Viaduct Harbour, the tugboat race at 10am and sailing races from 11am.

Double serving of tennis

Rising star: David Ferrer is set to battle it out in the 2008 Heineken Open

Summer heats up with the ASB Classic women's tennis tournament and the Heineken Open men's tennis tournament. Don't miss all the action on the court this summer with these council-sponsored events. The ASB Classic, a six-day competition that runs from Monday, 31 December to Saturday 5 December, is New Zealand's richest professional women's sporting event. Don't miss great tennis action as international players, such as former world number one Lindsay Davenport, battle it out for the title. The 2008 Heineken Open, from Monday, 7 to Sunday, 13 January, promises to be one of the best ever with six players ranked in the top 30, six current or former top-ten players, two Grand Slam winners, three past champions and rising star David Ferrer (pictured).

Celebrate the new year

The First Night Auckland 2008: offers something for everyone with a stunning line up of headline acts.

Welcome in the new year with family, friends and other Aucklanders at The First Night Auckland 2008, at The Edge, Aotea Centre, from 6.30pm on Monday, 31 December. The free Auckland City Council-supported event offers something for everyone with a stunning line up of headline acts. These include Opshop, One Million Dollars, Solaa, Annabel Fay (pictured), Mamaku Project and The Shades on the musical stage, cultural groups on the world stage, and the Swing Cats in the dance hall. As well as live music, there is a host of other entertainment and activities on offer from the Travelling Tuataras and Pacific Mamas, to Bollywood dancing, hip hop and krumping. Just before midnight, Ngati Whatua will call in the new year at Aotea Square.