Close to home: Tui by train

The 'Tui train'. Photo / Mike Watkins

Every month, Tranz Scenic offers a Tui Brewery Day Excursion aboard the Silver Fern, departing Wellington and travelling up the Kapiti Coast to Palmerston North, through the Manawatu Gorge and down to Tui HQ in Mangatainoka. On board, you're hosted by the Tui Brewery girls and, on arrival, there's a brewery tour followed by lunch and live music. The round trip from Wellington is $175 and the next one is on August 29.

Contact: 0800 872 467
On the web: tranzscenic.co.nz

The inside story

Authors, storytellers, performers and illustrators will entertain during free family days at the Storylines Festival during August in Whangarei, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Sponsor Heritage and CityLife Hotels is offering special rates in Auckland and Wellington of $229 for a two-bedroom self-contained family suite, with free car parking.

Contact: 0800 368 888 (hotel bookings)
On the web: storylines.org.nz; heritagehotels.co.nz

Hot times in HB

CHB the Festival is an annual celebration of art, music and food held at Pukeora Estate near Waipukurau. More than 90 stalls will offer art, garden art, jewellery, antiques, clothing and much more. There'll be exhibitions, workshops and seminars, entertainment and food. It runs September 2-5, 10am-4pm. Complementary events include the Great Ypuk Chilli Street Day in downtown Waipukurau with a Chilli Cook-off and a Wearable Trash parade.

On the web: thefestival.org.nz

Step back in time

Paeroa's Antiques Weekend starts at 11.30am on Saturday, September 18, with a vintage and classic car parade to Paeroa Domain, where there'll be a tea party. On Sunday, there's an antiques roadshow and a Mystery Car Rally.

Contact: (07) 862 6999
Email: anneh@paeroa.org.nz

Row your boat

The Gallagher Great Race on September 5 is the feature race of an annual rowing regatta on the Waikato River at Hamilton. This year, Cambridge University will challenge Waikato University for the fifth time - and with the score level at 2-2 - it will be a hard-fought event. The on-water action is supported by entertainment and activities.

Contact: (07) 838 4462
On the web: thegreatrace.co.nz