Close to home: Paddle to the pools

A glow-worm tour in Waimarino. Photo / Tourism BOP

During Waimarino's new Thermal Hot Pool & Glow-worm Cave Kayak Tour, paddlers skirt the bushy shores of Lake Rotoiti before slipping into a cave where glow-worms twinkle all around. The trip includes a soak in the lakeside Manupirua Thermal Hot Pools, which are not accessible by road.

Contact: 0800 456 996
On the web: waimarino.com

Environmental art

Held in conjunction with the Sealink Jassy Dean Garden Safari, Art Out There is the Waiheke Community Art Gallery's annual exhibition of artwork for the outdoors. As well as striking outdoor pieces, there's a fascinating display of garden sculptures powered by alternative energy. It runs November 13-14. Ferry, accommodation and safari packages available.

Contact: (09) 372 9907
On the web: waihekeartgallery.org.nz


Ride the rapids

Historic Mt Peel Station in Canterbury - one of New Zealand's first high country sheep farms - is the base for Rangitata Rafts. An adrenalin-filled Grade 5 trip through the spectacular Rangitata Gorge is one option, while a Grade 2 adventure on the lower river is suitable for families. Both trips include a barbecue lunch at the station and an optional transfer is available from Christchurch.

Contact: 0800 251 251
On the web: rafts.co.nz

Fishing secrets

The Tongariro National Trout Centre at Turangi allows visitors to see trout in their natural habitat and browse displays related to freshwater fishing. You can buy special food for the trout in the ponds, and there's a walk alongside the Tongariro River. On Kids' Fishout Days, kids aged 6-14 can fish the ponds with the help of a volunteer angler. The next one is October 24, bookings essential.

Contact: (07) 386 8085
On the web: troutcentre.org.nz

Wheeling in Waikato

Labour Weekend will be a weekend of cycling in Hamilton, with an inner-city criterium, which has sections for elite and recreational riders, and the National Team Time Trial, which allows recreational teams to compete alongside club teams. The weekend wraps up with the charity ride which offers 100km or 75km options through the Waikato countryside. Entries close October 13.

On the web: dynamoevents.co.nz