Close to home: Mountain madness

Mt Ruapehu. Photo / Supplied

On June 26 Ohakune celebrates the start of the ski season with the Ruapehu Mountain Mardi Gras. The season's biggest party kicks off at 7pm and is followed by six hours of music, rides and entertainment. Tickets are $30 (under 12 free).

On the web: ohakune-mardigras.co.nz

Clevedon combo
Combine a drive in the country with shopping at the Clevedon Village Farmers' Market, and the Clevedon Village Craft Market. At the Farmers' Market, held Sundays 8.30am-12pm at the Clevedon Showgrounds, you can buy fresh seasonal produce and locally made foodstuffs direct from the producer. The Craft Market is in the Community Hall, Sundays 9am-2pm, and has a range of crafts, art, clothing, gifts and collectibles as well as plants and produce.

On the web: clevedonfarmersmarket.co.nz, villagemarkets.co.nz

The high life
The Winter Ball at Aoraki Mount Cook's Hermitage Hotel on July 31 is a great excuse to dress up and party the night away in a magical winter setting. The evening begins with canapes and bubbles, followed by a three-course dinner. Guest speaker is mountaineer Mark Inglis, and after dinner a live band will get the crowd dancing. Tickets are $150 per person, with accommodation packages available.

Contact: 0800 686 800
On the web: hermitage.co.nz

Licence to chill
Chill ski passes give access to either six or 11 ski areas stretching from Kaikoura to Lake Tekapo. The fields cover a variety of terrain, offering ski and board opportunities for beginners through to extreme experiences. Numerous pass options are available. Purchase online.

Contact: (03) 365 6530
On the web: chillout.co.nz

A sweet affair
The Otago Museum gets into the swing of Dunedin's Cadbury Chocolate Carnival with a Disgusting or Delectable Trail, and an Aztec Hot Chocolate Ceremony. Other carnival events include eating and drinking chocolate, hearing stories about chocolate and making chocolate creations. The annual Jaffa race down Baldwin St includes a street party and there's also a Winter Ball at Larnach Castle. It runs July 11-17.

On the web: chocolatecarnival.co.nz