KEY POINTS:
Horsing Around is a day of family fun at the Whangarei Museum and Kiwi House at Heritage Park. Vintage cars and tractors, steam engines and wartime radio equipment are some of the treasures on show, and you can ride a miniature train, a bullock sled, a pony, or a quad bike. There'll also be food stalls on site. It's on October 26 and costs $10 (adults), kids free.
Contact: (09) 438 9630
On the web: www.whangareimuseum.co.nz
Glorious gardens
The 25th Dunedin Rhododendron Festival runs October 30 to November 2. Many stunning public and private gardens will be open, and the programme includes talks and workshops, garden tours, exhibitions, a photographic competition, fairs and fetes and a masquerade ball at Lanarch Castle.
Contact: (03) 453 5521
On the web: www.rhododunedin.co.nz
By gum
As well as the iconic gumboot throwing competition, Taihape's Gumboot Day on October 25 features art, entertainment, gumboot marches, beer and wine tasting, games and demonstrations. Competitions include a Fred Dagg lookalike, baking and wearable arts.
Contact: (06) 388 1307
On the web: www.taihape.co.nz
Pampered in Paihia
The Tropical Spa Indulgence deal at the newly refurbished Paihia Beach Resort & Spa includes two nights' luxury accommodation, gourmet breakfasts, a couples indulgence package at on-site La Spa Naturale, a daily session in the sauna or steam room, a tropical spa platter, use of the heated pool and spa and a discount on many other spa treatments. It costs $399 per head and is valid until December 20.
Contact: (09) 402 0111
On the web: www.paihiabeach.co.nz
Follow the art trail
The Mangawhai Artists in Residence programme over Labour Weekend, October 25-26, is a chance to view the works of 40 local artists at over 17 venues.
Contact: (09) 431 4984
On the web: www.mangawhaiartists.co.nz
