Close to home: Striking sculptures

A Ron Mueck sculpture. Photo / Anthony d'Offay

The first New Zealand exhibition by internationally renowned sculptor Ron Mueck runs at Christchurch Art Gallery, October 2 to January 23. Mueck is known for extraordinarily lifelike, compelling sculptures that represent all stages of life from birth through to death. The 13 sculptures include four created especially for the touring exhibition.

Contact: (03) 941 7300
On the web: christchurchartgallery.org.nz

More than words

Enjoy a relaxed weekend with award-winning authors and poets at the Waiheke Book Festival, Words on a Small Island. Along with inspiring presentations by the writers, the festival features a gala opening and classic Kiwi lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard to celebrate 75 years of Penguin books. The festival runs October 8-10.

On the web: waihekebookfestival.co.nz

Not the Titanic

Thirty to 50 million tonnes of ice recently crashed off the Tasman Glacier leaving 20 significant icebergs floating in the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake at Aoraki Mt Cook. To take advantage of this spectacular event, Glacier Explorers has resumed cruise operations early and passengers can now take a 75min boat trip past the icebergs, some of which can be touched from onboard.

Contact: 0800 68 68 00
On the web: glacierexplorers.com

Hot stuff in Dunedin

Otago Museum's Discovery World Tropical Forest is a warm, steamy rainforest populated by hundreds of beautiful butterflies. Exotic plants include orchids, bromeliads, bananas, coffee and cardamom, and the forest is also home to live tarantulas, turtles, finches and other heat-loving creatures. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm daily.

Contact: (03) 474 7474
On the web: otagomuseum.govt.nz

Sure signs of spring

In springtime, Hamilton Gardens bloom with glorious massed displays of tulips and daffodils. During the Tulip and Daffodil Festival on September 18, The Pavilion will host a competition displaying the best blooms from local daffodil growers; from 9.30am to 4pm there'll be market stalls offering Dutch food, art and craft, and a display from Dutch flower growers. There will be live music and performances of Dutch folk dances.

Contact: (07) 838 6782
On the web: hamiltongardens.co.nz