Not only has he just completed a nine-week 52-gig tour of New Zealand, he's about to notch up a significant number of live "connection sessions" that he has hosted since the COVID pandemic first hit.

Wednesday, August 18 will be Champagne's 365^th session, streamed live to his Facebook fans from wherever he happens to be that morning.

Despite that number, it's been well over a year since the Valley-born guitar virtuoso began sharing the more casual, intimate performances with fans around the world.

"It was about the end of March when I had come home to Brogo when I started doing them," Champagne told the Bega District News on Tuesday.

"I was pretty persistent through the lockdowns, streaming every day. Then I was fortunate to get back on the road around September so it didn't always happen every day."

Number 365 is still a milestone worth celebrating, which he will be marking with an extended live stream from 10am Auckland time from his hotel room.

"At the time I didn't have much of a sense of how long this [pandemic] would go on.

"It seemed the least I could do - I love playing music.

"Even when it was getting better in Australia I kept doing it. have a lot of friends and fans through Canada, Europe and the US who are all in different lockdown situations."

READ ALSO: Champagne releases fifth album as he passes 160^th connection session milestone

Champagne said he also saw plenty of single people enjoying the opportunity to tune in and feel connected, no matter their location.

"I get a lot of really nice messages, people saying that they watch me every day - it seems to help people more than I thought it would.

"I keep it very casual. In a hotel room or airport, I just chuck the phone on and play. I play a lot of full shows, so 20-30 minutes each morning is not a hassle.

"It's been nice to play songs that I don't always play in a show. There's a different energy to a live gig.

"It's more about checking in with people and having that connection."

READ ALSO: From Sydney music scene to Bega Salvos manager - meet Roger Foote

Champagne said he was fortunate to arrive in New Zealand "before the travel bubble shut" for his very busy tour.

Fifty-two shows over nine weeks. Every show sold out.

"It was a lot of shows," he enthused. "More towns than I knew existed in New Zealand!"

Champagne said the thirst for live music was clear, with plenty of very excited fans at the sold-out shows, and even familiar faces in the crowds.

"There was one group of ladies that came to about 12 of the shows," he said with a chuckle.

For now it's a bit of down time and a breather, and a vow to "remain optimistic" about a return to Australia and touring here once circumstances permit. And the Connection Sessions will be continuing "for the forseeable future".

Tune in to Daniel Champagne's Connection Sessions via his Facebook page, www.facebook.com/danielchampagnemusic/.

He doesn't take payment for his streamed performances - "money is not what it's about" - but he has given a shout out to Support Act, an Australian charity that provides support for people in the music industry.