Close to home: Street treat

See some of the best street performers during the Stronger Christchurch World Buskers Festival. Photo / Supplied

For 10 days from January 19, the Hagley Park Events Village will host some of the world's best street performers during the Stronger Christchurch World Buskers Festival. With performers from 12 countries giving about 500 performances ranging from aerial shows to human statues, there'll be something for everyone. There's plenty for kids and families, and a new adults-only show - the Christchurch Casino's Midnight Carnivale - will be staged every night. There'll be food, art and craft stalls and licensed areas, plus special Busker Buses to get everyone around.

Optional art

Kapiti Coast ArtStay is a new two-bedroom cottage located in a beautiful rural setting near Peka Peka beach, 3km from Waikanae. Guests who want to do more than enjoy the area's natural attractions, cycleways, walkways, restaurants and galleries can undertake an art programme with artist/host Peter Augustin, who works from a studio next to the cottage.

Contact: (04) 293 5956; 021 206 3603

Beautiful biking

Taranaki's Pukeiti could soon add a new attraction to its world-renowned 360ha rhododendron gardens, which nestle in a rainforest between Mt Taranaki and the coast. Mountain bike trails encompassing cross-country and downhill terrain are being built on the outskirts of the garden and will be open for a trial period during Pukeiti Bike Week, November 19-27. Group rides, races, night rides, kids' rides, events and tours of the trails are on the programme.

Email: greg.rine@trc.govt.nz

On the water

Southern Discoveries recently introduced kayaking trips as an option for visitors to Milford Sound. The trips operate in sheltered Harrison Cove and offer a maximum of 12 people at a time a short, gentle paddle in a majestic setting. A new pontoon raises passengers in and out of the water in their kayaks and the excursions are led by experienced guides.