KEY POINTS:
On Sunday, November 30, watch the Farmers Santa Parade from the Mercure Hotel on the corner of Queen St and Customs St while enjoying afternoon tea with a lolly scramble, colouring-in contest and gifts from Santa. It's $25 per adult and $15 per child (under 12 years). Bookings are essential.
Contact: (09) 306 0591
Light up your life
New Plymouth's Pukekura Park becomes an illuminated fairy land during the Festival of Lights, from December 14 to February 8. The festival includes free nightly entertainment and a daytime activity programme.
Contact: (06) 759 6060
On the web: www.festivaloflights.co.nz
Summer fun
The Caroline Bay Carnival in Timaru includes fairground rides, daily concerts, mini-golf, truck and train rides and a bungy trampoline. There'll be talent quests and a fireworks display. It runs from December 26 to January 11.
Contact: (03) 686 2136
On the web: www.carolinebay.org.nz
Sail into summer
Adventure Sail, a new Tauranga-based sailing company, provides personalised harbour cruises and extended charters. The boat can accommodate up to 11 people for picnics, day, evening or overnight sails. Bareboat or skippered options are available.
Contact: 0800 724 523
On the web: www.adventuresail.co.nz
Most of the coast
Greymouth's Wild West Adventures is running a White Water Rafting Festival in December. All rafting, including heli-rafting, is half price.
Contact: 0508 286 877 or (03) 768 6649
On the web: www.fun-nz.com
Touch of glamour
Tiffin in the Tea Room, a Tot's Tea Party and a Wanna B Party are on in December at the historic Blue Baths in Rotorua. Visitors to the iconic building can enjoy thermally heated pools, museum galleries in the old changing rooms and an elegant 1930s style tearoom.
Contact: (07) 350 2119
On the web: www.bluebaths.co.nz
