Close to Home: Lyttelton lights up

Channel your inner Scotsman at Winter@Waipu. Photo / Northern Advocate

Lyttelton becomes a fairyland of twinkling lights during the Lyttelton Harbour Festival of Lights, June 5-14. Featuring a masked parade, circus performers, music, dance, short films, theatre and fireworks.

Contact: (03) 328 9243
On the web: www.lyttelton.net.nz

Stars of the north
Join the Matariki Tai Tokerau festivities during June, when the Far North buzzes with kapa haka concerts, kite-flying at Te Paki giant sand dunes, fishing competitions, art exhibitions, theatre and much more.

On the web: www.farnorthmatariki.co.nz

Touch of the Med
Can't make it to the Med for the olive harvest? Then head to Amuri Estate Retreat near Hanmer Springs and help with their olive harvest from June 1 to July 10. Medium fitness is needed, but the main skill required is sociability. Snacks and lunch are provided, and the day finishes with liquid refreshments and a gift of olive oil. Luxury accommodation is available for those who want to stay on site.

Contact: (03) 315 5059
On the web: www.amuri.co.nz

Hibiscus delights
The Art at the Estuary exhibition and sale at the Estuary Arts Centre on the Hibiscus Coast features 250 works from artists working with a variety of media. It runs May 28 to June 1, with a preview night on May 28. Proceeds go to the Hibiscus Coast Hospice.

Contact: (09) 421 9180
On the web: www.hchospice.org.nz

Waipu in winter
Waipu fights off the winter blues during the Winter@Waipu festival, which runs throughout June and July. Includes market days, poetry and theatre, and incorporates Tartan Week, June 27 to July 4.

Contact: (09) 432 1234
On the web: www.breambay.co.nz

Before winter
Taranaki's Whitecliffs Walkway encompasses farmland, bush and beach, and has excellent views of the coastline. The return leg is subject to tides. New Plymouth Tramping Club will host a public tramp on June 21.

On the web: www.nptc.org.nz, www.doc.govt.nz