Close to home: Spot those kiwis

A Brown Kiwi chick inside the new facilities at Pukaha Mt Bruce. Photo / Supplied

A major upgrade at Pukaha Mount Bruce, the National Wildlife Centre, allows visitors to see behind the scenes of the centre's successful kiwi breeding programme.

Contact: (06) 375 8004
On the web: mtbruce.org.nz

First dekko in years

Rotoroa Island, east of Waiheke, is open to the public for the first time in 100 years. Visitors can explore the island as well as the Salvation Army's former alcohol and drug treatment centre, including the jail, chapel, and cemetery. 360 Discovery runs ferry services.

Contact: 0800 76 86 76
On the web: rotoroa.org.nz

Biking on ...

The spectacular northern end of the Coromandel Peninsula is the setting for the tenth anniversary of the Kona Colville Connection mountain bike ride on March 12.

Contact: 021 648085
On the web: colvilleconnection.co.nz

Celebrating diversity

The Tauranga Multicultural Festival on March 19 celebrates the region's diverse cultural mix with a lively programme of cultural performances, stalls selling ethnic food, and arts and crafts. It runs at the Historic Village in 17th Ave from 10am, and admission is $5, under-12 free.

On the web: ethnictauranga.org

Legendary footsteps

The annual Te Houtaewa 90 Mile Beach Challenge on March 26 honours the Maori legend of athlete Te Houtaewa, who was the fastest runner of his day.

On the web: newzealand-marathon.co.nz