Let's go NZ: Fiery festivity by the sea

Napier's Winter Solstice Fire Festival on Saturday June 18 is an exciting, free event featuring a multicultural programme at the Soundshell on Marine Parade. The festival highlight will be a fire sculpture on the beach followed by a fireworks display.

Contact: (06) 834 3934

On the web: www.creativenapier.org.nz

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Star turn

This month, the star cluster Matariki, or Pleiades, can be seen in our skies. In Northland, events include exhibitions, cultural performances, festivals, art and food trails, star-gazing cruises and walks guided by Maori. A full calendar is available online.

Contact: (09) 402 7683

On the web: www.taitokerau.co.nz

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Holistic health

Ridge Country Retreat, a luxury lodge near Tauranga, is offering a series of weekend instructional seminars on health and healing. A registered nurse, counsellor and intuitive healer run the programmes, which include speakers and guided sessions, such as meditation. The programme includes morning tea, lunch and dinner and overnight accommodation with breakfast the next day. It costs $400 a person on a twin-share basis.

Contact: (07) 542 1301

On the web: www.rcr.co.nz

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Mighty Mystery

The country's major field days event happens from June 15 to 18 at the Mystery Creek Events Centre near Hamilton. About 1000 exhibitors will take part. Gates will be open 8am to 5pm. Tickets cost $12 adult, $6 child 5-14, under-5 free.

Contact: (07) 843-4499

On the web: www.fieldays.co.nz