Hawke's Bay has plenty of activities and events for people of all ages to enjoy. We list six of the best on offer this weekend.
(1) Livamol Classic - Bostock New Zealand Spring Racing Carnival
Hawke's Bay's most stylish spring event gets under way at the Hastings Racecourse today at 11am. You can use the general admission pass to gain access to the public stand and Horlicks Lounge or Hobbles Lounge with TAB facilities, cash bars and a food court featuring Hawke's Bay's finest. You'll also have access to the public grandstand and alcohol-free family lawn area - a prime position to watch the racing action.
Hastings Racecourse, 200 Prospect Rd, Hastings, today from 11am to 6pm. All ages. members' stand $50 and general admission $20.
(2) Fade To Black The Metallica Experience
Misty Mountain Productions presents Fade To Black The Metallica Experience at the Cabana tonight. Head along to experience the two-hour live raw power that Metallica fans enjoy. All the hits like Seek and Destroy, Fade to Black and Master of Puppets. Also, their mates GnFnRs, New Zealand's premier Guns 'N Roses tribute band, return with them to blast The Cabana. See two heavyweights go head-to-head. At the Cabana, Shakespeare Rd, Napier, 8pm to 1am. R18. Door Sales $20.
(3) Various Vintages & Vinyls
The Spring Fling is a series of 20 standout events that capture the essence of springtime in Central Hawke's Bay. It's the season for cellar door openings and in Central Hawke's Bay no one does it quite like Lime Rock Wines off Tikokino Rd in Waipawa. Rosie and Rodger are dusting off some rare vintages, not to mention the old turntable, to kick their season off in style. Today and tomorrow standard tastings are available at no charge for those keen to try and buy. However, for those wanting to enjoy a special drop it's just $10 on the day and you will be treated to a 'Rare Wines Vertical Tasting'. At Lime Rock Wines from 10am both days. It is R18 and admission is free.
(4) Family Sleepover Night
Families are invited to join the National Aquarium of New Zealand's family sleepover tonight - or get together your own group of 20-plus people and book for a different night. It starts at 6pm tonight and runs until 8.30am Sunday. Test your compass skills while you look for hidden objects and find your way around the aquarium. A surprise visitor will be diving with our aquarium diver and there will be a Sleep Swimming Tour of the aquarium using torches to find illuminated animals. All meals included for the night. Just bring your torch, sleeping gear and your enthusiasm! Make up a group and prepare to have a whale of a time with Dory and her friends. At National Aquarium of New Zealand, Marine Parade, Napier. All ages, and $51 per person. To buy tickets phone 06 834 1404.