Close to Home: Tales of Tarawera

History and beauty abound on Lake Tarawera. Photo / Supplied

From November 1- April 30 Clearwater Cruises will offer daily 90-minute cruises on Lake Tarawera aboard a luxurious catamaran. Highlights include Maori history, the story of the Mt Tarawera eruption and the Pink and White Terraces, geothermal hot streams and pools, and beautiful native bush surroundings. Cruises cost $68 (adults), $39 (children) and $165 (family, two adults and two children up to 14 years).

Contact: 0508 253 279
On the web: clearwater.co.nz

Country style

About 25 bands and performers will provide everything from blues and gospel to honky tonk and boogie during the Hokianga Country Music Festival, October 2-4. Music will run all day and most of the night at venues in Opononi, Omapere, Kohukohu and Rawene. Entry is $20, available from venues from 4pm on October 2.

Contact: (09) 405 8009, (09) 405 8061
On the web: hokiangacountrymusic.com

Golden days

Delve into Waihi's golden history during the family-orientated Goldfest, September 28 - October 5. Activities include gold panning, goldmine tours, competitions, organised sports, walks, a trolley derby and a beach dig. Local businesses will have a market day on October 3.

Contact: (07) 863 3030
On the web: waihi.org.nz

Truffle delights

Luxurious Otahuna Lodge near Christchurch will feature the sought-after white Bianchetto truffle in degustation dinners this weekend, August 28 and 29. During the truffle season private truffle dinners can be booked for groups of six or more, and guests can also take truffle cooking classes. Special accommodation rates are available.

Contact: (03) 329 6333
On the web: otahuna.co.nz