Double the fun
Over 20 hotels, motels and lodges in Christchurch and Canterbury are offering visitors two nights' accommodation for the price of one until July 22. Many attractions around the region will also be offering two-for-one deals during the same period, making it a great time to visit the south.
On the web: christchurchnz.com
Tough stuff
If your idea of winterfun is crawling under barbed wire and slogging through swamps (above), head to Rotorua for the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge on August 8. This off-road running event has a 12km course and a 6km "social" option. There's also an event in Auckland on July 5.
Contact: (07) 378 0455
On the web: toughguyandgal.co.nz
Jazz by the river
Paeroa takes on a carnival atmosphere during the Ohinemuri Jazz Festival on August 15. During the day there'll be music, dancing, street theatre, games, demonstrations and boat rides, and in the evening there's a "Shakedown" dance at the Memorial Hall.
Contact: (07) 862 6999
On the web: paeroa.org.nz
Living history
The River Traders Market (above) is held beside the Whanganui River every Saturday morning, 9am to 1pm, on a site that was historically a busy trading place for local Maori. Today's market offers goods such as art, crafts, plants and flowers, and includes The Growers Green, which features produce from local growers.
Contact: (06) 343 9795
On the web: therivertraders.co.nz
Winter walks
Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve is located on the inner Hauraki Gulf 20km north of Auckland. Its diverse coastal habitats include rocky reefs and estuarine mudflats. Walks include a day walk on the Okura Bush Walkway, which takes in coastal and estuarine scenery.
On the web: doc.govt.nz
