Close to home: Coffee fix

Mojo Coffee. Photo / Supplied

Find out what makes a good coffee on tours offered by Wellington's Mojo Coffee. Coffee 101 takes one hour and costs $25. It includes a tour of the roastery and a demonstration from a master roaster. The Coffee Cupping Tour costs $55 and explores the aroma and flavour of certain coffees, as well as giving an in-depth explanation of all aspects of coffee production. Participants also get to blend their own coffee.

Very refined

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the New Zealand Refining Company at Marsden Point opens its gates to the public on October 9, from 10am-3pm. Guided bus tours will run all day, giving visitors an insight into refinery processes. There'll also be great entertainment, a huge range of activities, and food and drink. It costs $5 and proceeds go to Project Promise, which raises funds for an oncology facility in Whangarei.

Haere mai

Atamira - Maori in the City 2011 is a celebration designed to showcase all things Maori. It's on at the ASB Showgrounds from October 7-9, and will offer traditional and contemporary music, dance, fashion, art, a craft market and food stalls in a fun family atmosphere. There'll also be demonstrations of ta moko (tattooing), master carvers at work on a waka, and artists creating pieces made from other materials.

Words on Waiheke

Lovers of books, art and poetry should head to Waiheke for the intimate Words on a Small Island Festival, which runs from November 4-6. It starts with a gala opening, and includes a relaxed afternoon of Deck Chair Readings, a book launch, a literary lunch, an intimate "in conversation" session with Lloyd Jones, art exhibitions and a high tea finale.

Road to Manderley

Originally built in 1876, Manderley homestead is set in a beautiful valley on Banks Peninsula. From November 5-6, its expansive grounds will be the venue for a bustling fair that features 140 stalls selling original, quality merchandise. Food stalls will be complemented by wine and beer, there'll be live music and dancers, and three rooms of the homestead open to the public for viewing.