Members of the Japanese community carry a Mykoshi during Japan Day. Photo / Dean Purcell
Members of the Japanese community carry a Mykoshi during Japan Day. Photo / Dean Purcell
It may be our last chance to pretend it's summer, before the rain drives into town and temperatures drop. Make the most of it.
1. Reclaim the streets
Open Streets.
Once again Quay Street is declared an Open Street as we say goodbye cars and hello people. For one day the whole wide road is just for people (and bikes, skates, scooter or strollers). Make the most of it with street musicians and performers, sports, heritage walking and cycle trails, bike workshops, games and prizes.
Cos-players at Japan Day. Photo / Overload&Saretvision
While you're in the neighbourhood on Sunday, head down to Queens Wharf and enjoy the delights of one of Asia's most intriguing cultures at Japan Day. We can't wait to try the food, of course, and the delights of traditional kimono, bonsai and tea ceremonies. Put it side by side with the modern/traditional ninjitsu warriors, anime and cos-play, and you've summed up modern Japan.
Details: Sunday 10am - 4pm, The Cloud and Shed 10, Queens Wharf.
3. Sam the Man
Poet Sam Hunt.
Sam Hunt is still doing the rounds as one of New Zealand's best-loved poet, with his skinny jeans and sing-song road stories. Remind yourself of the charm of real people, telling real verse with plenty of laughter, goose bumps and lumps in the throat. Tickets going fast.
Details: Saturday, 5-9pm. Hallertau.
4. Country comforts
Some of the 12,000 visitors to last year's Waikato Show. Photo / NZME
Plan a road trip south, out of the city. Hamilton has the New Waikato Show - full of the joys of country life, with ponies, farmyard, carnival games and more.
Or head east to Hahei for their crazy tractor bash - Saturday's all about decorated machines (and who can resist a good car boot sale?) while Sunday's the tractor parade, with food stalls and games, plus add in some serenity at Cathedral Cove or Hot Water Beach. If amazing horseriding is your thing, Kihikihi hosts the International Horse Trials with cross-country (today) and show-jumping (tomorrow), major equestrian beauty plus food stalls, shopping and more. Te Kuiti hosts the quirkiest show of all, the Great New Zealand Muster. Join thousands of people for country entertainment, street theatre, and, naturally, sheep mustering.
Details: Tractor Bash, Saturday and Sunday, Hahei Beach. Waikato Show, Saturday, Sunday 10am - 5pm, Claudelands Showgrounds. International Horse Trials, Saturday and Sunday, 8am-4pm. Kihikihi Domain. Sheep muster, Saturday, 10am-4pm. Rora St, Te Kuiti.
5. How green is my country
Feed the fish at Leigh or join Sunday's guided Goat Island coastal walk, part of EcoFest North, to learn about the fascinating marine environment and meet some underwater creatures at the Marine Discovery Centre. Or head to EcoDay at New Lynn with eco art and upcycling that turns trash into treasure, plus a foodcourt, body and wellness zone, workshops and more.
