KEY POINTS:
Hear that whistle blowing
Te Amorangi Museum in Rotorua is based around a beautifully restored 1925 Dutch Colonial homestead. Exhibits include a Maori collection and displays of 1920s life. The museum has a collection of steam engines and on the second Sunday every month (the next is May 13) visitors can see the engines working and take a train ride. the museum is in Robinson Ave, Holdens Bay.
Contact: (07) 347 9336
On the web: www.protechnic.co.nz/amorangi
Full steam ahead
The Bay of Plenty Steamer is a train that will take passengers through some of the bay's most scenic and historic areas. This new tourism venture starts on June 2, with a return journey from Mt Maunganui to Kawerau, including a stop at Kiwi360 in Te Puke. Tickets for the first trip have sold out but more are planned.
Contact: (07) 578 810, email bookings@bayofplentynz.com
On the web: www.bayofplentynz.com
Waiheke discoveries
Unleash your creative spirit while lounging in luxury at Waiheke Landing. During June and September European-based artist Lyn Murray will be the artist-in-residence at this stylish waterfront accommodation property. Short courses will be tailored specifically for guests, and may include visits to Waiheke's many studios, or you can create your own masterpiece. The property accommodates up to eight people and the artist will be based in a separate studio on-site.
Contact: 0800 377 362
On the web: www.essencenz.com
Get adventurous
On-track 4WD is a West Coast company that aims to help people do more than drive the family 4WD to the supermarket. They provide supported tag-along adventures through remote and beautiful South Island scenery. During the September school holidays there's a family-orientated six-day tour with a goldmining theme, complete with visits to mining areas and a treasure hunt along the way. From September 24 to 30.
Contact: (09) 412 8112; (03) 768 0985
On the web: www.on-track4WD.co.nz
A delicious affair
Anyone with an interest in eating, cooking, drinking and entertaining should consider heading along to The Food Show 2007 at Wellington's Westpac Stadium, May 25 to 27. Many cooking experts will share their skills at seminars and demonstrations, and exhibitors will be showcasing new products and ideas as well as old favourites.
Contact: (09) 376 4603
On the web: www.foodshow.co.nz
Off to market
The Martinborough Country Market is held every Sunday, 10am to 2pm, behind the Martinborough Wine Centre. The market focuses on local products, with gourmet foods, seasonal produce and preserves, art and craft, jewellery and clothing among the goods on offer. Every Saturday, Masterton's Solway Showgrounds host the Farmers' Market, with fresh Wairarapa products such as vegetables, herbs, cheese, free-range eggs, flowers, plants, organics and artisan products. From 8.30am to 12.30pm.
On the web: www.wairarapanz.com
Strike up the band
Dunedin's delightful Botanic Garden is a relaxing place for an autumn or winter stroll. Established in 1863, the garden features a series of plant collections that spreads over 28ha. You can enjoy Sunday Bandstand every week from 2pm to 3.30pm at the band rotunda, featuring a range of musical styles. It's free.
Contact: (03) 477 4000
On the web: www.cityofdunedin.com
