Close to home: Silliness in the snow

Shenanigans at the Ohau Snow Fields in the Mackenzie High Country start on July 31 with the Ohau Hooley and Irish Winter Olympics. On August 14 don your kilt for the Highland Games. The Ohau fancy dress SnowBall is on September 11, and the season rounds off with a Hot Dog Day on October 3.

Contact: (03) 438 9885
On the web: ohau.co.nz

Be quick for scallops

Scallop lovers come out of their shells for the Whitianga Scallop Festival, August 25-29, with the main ticket day on August 28. As well as scallops and other delights, there'll be demonstrations from celebrity chefs, roving entertainment and an extensive line-up of performers on stage. Tickets cost $50 (adult), $10 (child), and sell out fast.

On the web: scallopfestival.co.nz

Are you bold enough?

Demented clowns, chainsaw-wielding hillbillies, horrible mutants and other ghastly inhabitants ensure a spine-chilling time at Spookers Haunted Attraction Scream Park in the old Kingseat Hospital at Karaka. The Freaky Forest has just re-opened with new scenes and scares, including a new cell block area with very creepy lighting and sounds. There are R16 frights as well as family fun, and the café has food to die for.

Contact: (09) 291 9002
On the web: spookers.co.nz

Please your palate

The gourmet festival Wellington On a Plate runs August 14-29, and includes DINE Wellington, a fortnight where the region's best restaurants offer lunchtime set menus for $15, $25, and $35. Dinner deals and discounts are also available. A wide range of other festival events will offer something to satisfy every taste.

On the web: wellingtononaplate.com

Family detectives

Anyone interested in tracing their ancestry should attend the NZ Family History Fair at the Kingsgate Hotel in Hamilton, July 16-18. The fair is organised on behalf of the NZ Society of Genealogists, and will inspire beginners and experienced family historians with seminars, exhibitors and research opportunities.

On the web: nzfamilyhistoryfair.org.nz