Kala Alexander, Hawaiian surfing legend and big-wave surfer, will be in New Zealand for the inaugural Ultimate Waterman event. Photo / Rusty Russell
Kala Alexander, Hawaiian surfing legend and big-wave surfer, will be in New Zealand for the inaugural Ultimate Waterman event. Photo / Rusty Russell
Here are some events to keep you busy this weekend.
She's going to be one wild and crazy weekend - and we don't just mean cyclone Pam. No time to sit around, there's too much to do.
Get wet, go
This is the first time the Ultimate Waterman has come to New Zealand, and the organisers are beyond excited at the huge swell Pam is bringing with her. The world first surf contest brings eight of the world's best to compete in six surf sports: short and longboard; stand-up paddle and endurance; Waka-ama and big wave paddle in surfing.
Details: Waka-ama endurance race, Saturday, 7am to 1.30pm. Takapuna Beach. Surfing exhibition and signing session, Sunday from 12pm Piha Beach.
It's harvest time on Waiheke and everyone is invited to have a go at picking grapes and learn about making wine during the Waiheke Vintage Festival. There are vineyard tours, wine, of course plus food, workshops, walks, picnics, high teas and musical events at 19 vineyards across the island.
Details: Friday and Monday. All over Waiheke Island. Various prices.
Caravan of love
If your dream is to ditch the day job and hit the road in your own mobile home, the Covi Caravan Motorhome and Outdoor Super Show has plenty to get you excited. Even if you've got no money for the biggest, gorgeous buses, there are cute outdoor accessories, plenty of seminars, bargains and the chance to go in the draw for some pretty dreamy road trips.
Details: Friday to Sunday, 9am-5pm. ASB Showgrounds.
Campevans at the Covi Motorhome Caravan and Outdoor SuperShow. Photo / Supplied
Float your boat
It's the last weekend of the Volvo Ocean Race Auckland stopover and we've gotta say we're going to miss the village atmosphere that stretches from the Viaduct across to Wynyard quarter. Saturday's the New Zealand Herald In-Port Race on the harbour before the intrepid crews head out on Monday for the toughest Leg 5 all the way to Brazil. There are plenty of games, pop-up pavilions, music and light at the Race Village before it all packs into containers and heads off.
Details: Saturday and Sunday, Te Whero island and Viaduct Events Centre.
Glowing report
The coolest free thing for the Auckland Arts Festival is White Night where 100 locations from Devonport to Otara are lit up with art installations, dance, music, poetry and video events. Check out Silo Park, Auckland Museum, New Lynn, Parnell, Remuera, Northcote and Devonport via the free buses and a super new app to show the way. Also head to Westhaven for Thursdays to Sundays when telco 2 Degrees lights up the harbour bridge (and you can too, via their groovy app). There's a science day for kids around Aotea Square on Saturday, plenty of music and action at the TimeOut Festival garden. Only one more week to go, so make the most of it.
Details: White Nights, Saturday, 6-12pm. All over Auckland.
