At Wellington's newly revamped Carter Observatory, visitors can learn about the southern skies through its state-of-the-art planetarium show, along with multimedia exhibits showing how early Maori, Polynesian and European settlers navigated to our shores. There's an interesting collection related to astronomical history, including the oldest telescope of its kind operating in New Zealand.
Contact: (04) 910 3140.
On the web: carterobservatory.org
Plenty of birds
The Eastern Bay of Plenty celebrates its abundance of birdlife and bird-watching locations during the BirdsaPlenty Festival, September 24-October 17. The programme includes a godwit welcome at Ohiwa Harbour, field trips to forests and offshore islands, talks by experts, art exhibitions, films and much more.
Contact: (07) 308 7095
On the web: birdsaplentyfestival.blogspot.com
Art deco delight
The new Quest Napier offers modern serviced apartments in a charming heritage building that was one of a handful of inner-city buildings to survive the 1931 earthquake and fire. Mention the Chilli Hot Deal when you book and get a studio apartment for $130, plus a gift box of Hawke's Bay Orcona chilli relishes. It's valid until December 30.
Contact: 0800 784 663
On the web: questnapier.co.nz
Lighting up
Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, will be celebrated around the country in October. The Rotorua event on October 2 includes workshops, education, a cultural show and fireworks. Wellington celebrates on October 24 and Auckland on October 30-31.
Email: rotorua.deepawali@gmail.com
On the web: asianz.org.nz
Go cruising
The charity event Cruising for a Cause returns to Taupo's Tongariro Domain on October 9. For a gold coin donation, you can ride in vehicles such as hot rods, vintage and classic cars, motorbikes, trucking rigs, fire trucks and more. Other vehicles on display in the Show n' Shine area include large trucks, earthmovers and cranes.
Contact: (07) 377 0104
On the web: cruisingforacause.webs.com
Close to home: It's in the stars
Carter Observatory. Photo / Nick Servian
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