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Racing/Fashion
They're racing now in the New Zealand Herald Christmas Carnival. The odds of a great day out at the Ellerslie Racecourse are looking good. It's time to pull out that hat you wear only twice a year, and take a punt on the horse with the funniest name for two big days of racing, fashion and entertainment on Saturday and Monday. There will be best-dressed awards, a champagne lawn, a barbecue area and of course, plenty of horse racing for those who like a flutter.
* New Zealand Herald Christmas Carnival - Saturday and Monday, Ellerslie Racecourse
Kids
The Parnell Trust Holiday programme is offering some guaranteed boredom busters for kids over January. A range of exciting activities is on offer by the charitable trust for kids aged between 5 and 14, including a chance to visit the NZ Breakers basketball team, a trip to Rainbow's End, and ghost-busting at Karaka's haunted hospital. Kids can participate in either the occasional day or a full week's activities.
* Parnell Trust Holiday Programme - Jan 1-Feb 2, (not weekends), bookings essential. Costs for day programmes start at $39. See parnell.org.nz or phone 379 2095 for more info
Rodeo
If you're keen for something a little different on New Year's Day, the Warkworth Rodeo could be quite a ride. Gasp as local cowpokes wrangle, ride, and fall for the entertainment of the crowd. Featured events include barrel racing, bareback racing, team roping and bull riding. If this has sparked your interest but you are not in the Rodney region, check rodeonz.co.nz for rodeos in a town near you. Yeee Haaaawwww.
* Warkworth Rodeo - Warkworth A&P Grounds, Rodney, Monday, from 10am, door sales $5-$15
Sport
From New Year's Day to January 6, Grafton's ASB Tennis Centre hosts the ASB Classic. It is the country's richest professional women's sporting event, and this year features some very talented international players including world number 17 Marion Bartoli of France. In fact four of the world's top 20 female players will be appearing this year, as well as top local talent. Plenty of action, champagne and glamour to start your 2007.
* ASB Classic - Monday to January 6, ASB Bank Tennis Centre, Grafton. Start times are Mon-Thu: 11am; Fri: 12pm; Sat: 1pm. See aucklandtennis.co.nz
Family
The Auckland Museum's Night at the Museum holiday highlight is inspired by the new Ben Stiller movie of the same name. The torchlight tour of the museum begins when security guard Harry invites kids and their families to join him after closing time as he seeks out his favourite characters and exhibits in the museum. And at the end, visitors get a free voucher for a child, with a paying adult, to the movie (conditions apply).
* Night at the Museum, Tue-Sat, to Feb 6. $14 adults, $8 children, bookings essential, ph 306 7048
