Drawn to the South Pole

By HEATHER RAMSAY

The story of the race to the South Pole, Antarctic Heroes, is a popular exhibition at Te Papa, supported by a lecture programme presented by people who have a close association with the Antarctic. Topics include penguins, mapping techniques, and the scientific discoveries. On August 26 the silent film South: Sir Ernest Shackleton's Glorious Epic of the Antarctic will show at 7pm. It records Shackleton's 1914-16 attempt to cross the Antarctic. The exhibition runs until October 26.

Contact: (04) 381 7000, www.tepapa.govt.nz

Winter wonderland It's all happening in Methven during the town's Winter Festival from August Friday to Sunday. The festival will include food stalls, wine tasting, ice sculptures, an arts and crafts fair, a tug of war and a horizontal bungy. As well, there's a rural day with wood-chopping, vintage tractors, and Drag Queen Racing. Saturday night is Big Air night when snowboarders and skiers compete for the biggest air on a snow-covered ramp. There will also be motocross bike jump action, followed by fireworks and entertainment.

Contact: (03) 302 8811, www.methven.net.nz

Heralding spring The Martinborough Spring Festival offers a varied programme. From Thursday to Saturday the theme is antiques, collectibles and arts and crafts. August 19 to 21 features food, wine, gardening, cooking and music. The last weekend of the month is devoted to fashion, accessories, jewellery, weddings, women's health and nutrition. All events will be at the Martinborough Wine Centre.

www.wairarapanz.com

Liar, liar If you're not averse to a whopper or two, check out New Zealand's Greatest Liar Competition, to be held at the Slow Food Cafe in Masterton at 8pm on August 18. This fun competition aims to discover the country's greatest liar. There will be contestants and support acts from throughout the country to keep the lies and laughter flowing.

Contact: Alan 021 147 4144

Email: greatestliar@paradise.net.nz

Beyond the glacier Explore Franz Josef provides activities both on and off the stunning glacier. These include a rafting trip on the Waiau River, starting in the mountains and travelling through rainforest to the rugged coastline. The emphasis is on soaking up the scenery rather than riding wild rapids. Another eco-experience is a boat cruise on Okarito Lagoon, past magnificent stands of kahikatea and rimu and the nesting place of kotuku, or white heron.

Contact: 0800 484 337, www.explorefranzjosef.co.nz

Messing about in boats For a day of boating without leaving the shore, visit the National Boat Show at Mystery Creek, Hamilton. The Boat Show is on from August 26 to 29 and features the latest boats and equipment, fishing and leisure gear, and plenty to keep non-boaties interested. Hours are Thursday and Saturday 9.30am to 5.30pm, Friday 9.30am to 8pm, and Sunday 9.30am to 5pm. Tickets are available through the website or at the gate. Adults $12, children $5, senior citizens $5 (Thursday only).

Contact: (07) 843 4497, www.nationalboatshow.co.nz

Beyond the snow For some time away from the snow in Wanaka, try the shooting and golf driving range at Have A Shot, opposite Wanaka Airport. There's archery, claybird and small-bore shooting, and the popular mounted "battlefield" guns that fire sponge balls. There is also a 275m driving range and a themed 18-hole mini-putt course.

Contact: (03) 443 6656; 0800 428 327 468, www.haveashot.co.nz

Spark your interest Spark 04, a showcase of arts, media and culture starts in Hamilton today and runs until Saturday. It features artists, musicians, film-makers, designers, critics, writers and multi-media experts. It runs daily from 9am to midnight and costs $50 a day. Programme and speaker profiles available online.

Contact: (07) 838 6386, www.spark.mediarts.net.nz

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