Close to Home: Daffodil delights

Photo / Richard Robinson

Picking daffodils at Middlerun farm near Carterton has been a tradition since the 1920s, and on September 13 the expansive daffodil field will be open during the Carterton Daffodil Carnival. The town's main street will bustle with over 100 craft and produce stalls, and shuttles will run to Middlerun, where you can pick your own blooms for a small donation. Proceeds go to local charities.

On the web: cartertondc.co.nz

It's game on
As well as exhilarating land-sailing experiences on a purpose-built track, Game On Activities at Papamoa's Blokart Heaven now offer infrared laser tag and laser clay-bird shooting for individuals, families, work groups and schools.

Contact: (07) 542 4033
Email: gameonactivities@xtra.co.nz

Everything olive
Cooking demonstrations, pressing and bottling, and tasting seminars are part of the Hawke's Bay Olive Festival on September 19. There'll also be product samples, tours, food and wine, music and entertainment for the kids. It's at Telegraph Hill Olivery in Hastings, 10am to 4pm.

Contact: 0508 654 837
On the web: telegraphhill.co.nz

Toast of the town
Secure a hard-to-get ticket to Toast Martinborough on November 15 by booking a minimum two-night festival package at luxurious Parehua Country Estate.

Contact: (06) 306 8405
On the web: parehua.co.nz

Central highlights
Winter is a magical time to see the central North Island on a one-hour Mt Ruapehu Vista floatplane flight. As well as the excitement of taking off and landing on water, the high-wing aircraft offers spectacular views as it flies over lakes and circles the summits of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.

Contact: (07) 378 7500
On the web: tauposfloatplane.co.nz