KEY POINTS:
Fieldays marks its 40th birthday with a huge agricultural party at Mystery Creek, Hamilton, from June 11-14. Regular favourites, the Rural Bachelor of the Year, Ag Art Wear, tractor pull and fencing contests run alongside initiatives such as "Kiwi's Best", which includes excellent local agricultural and horticulture products.
On the web: www.fieldays.co.nz
Grab your G-TAR
The inaugural G-TARanaki guitar festival includes guitar legends Joe Satriani, former Black Sabbath and Deep Purple axeman Glenn Hughes, Uli Jon Roth, and Gilby Clarke from Guns N' Roses. As well as performing, some visiting guitar superstars will also be involved in workshops, forums, seminars and jam sessions. It runs from July 14-19 in venues around New Plymouth.
Contact: (06) 759 5150
On the web: www.gtaranaki.co.nz
Dogfights on D-Day
Tauranga Airport will reverberate with aerial and ground battles during D-Day commemorations on June 7, 10am-4pm. The event includes displays of military memorabilia, with some available for purchase. It costs $10 (adults), $5 (kids).
Contact: (07) 572 4000
On the web: www.classicflyersnz.com
Take the bus
The Connectabus is a great way to get around the Queenstown area. Services run regularly from 6.15am to 11.15pm, linking hotels, motels, restaurants, tourist attractions, shopping areas and the airport. The route includes Arrowtown and some outlying resorts and wineries, meaning you can have a tipple and not have to worry about driving. A multi-ride day pass is $13.
Contact: (03) 441 4471
On the web: www.connectabus.com
Midwinter treat
Dress in your best and savour delectable wine and food at Martinborough's Parehua Country Estate on June 28. The intimate midwinter celebration features a seven- course degustation menu matched with local wine, plus music from a talented entertainer and pianist. A package for two people including dinner, luxury accommodation, cooked breakfast and late checkout is $700. Dinner is only $210 each person.
Contact: (06) 306 8405
On the web: www.parehua.co.nz
Magic of Matariki
Learn about Matariki, the Maori New Year, on a twilight walk in Northland's mystical Puketi Forest. Experienced guides share their knowledge of the forest and explain the significance of Matariki. The special tours run throughout June; other walks available year-round.
Contact: (09) 401 9095; 027 449 9206
On the web: www.forestwalks.com
