KEY POINTS:
Snail races, crepes, cheese, wine, boules, berets, cooking demonstrations, and spectacular aerial and fire routines are part of the mix during Akaroa's French Festival. Celebrations begin on September 21 and include are-enactment of the landing of the first French settlers.
Contact: (03) 941 8076
On the web: www.frenchfest.co.nz
Garden heritage
A garden party in Greytown, art exhibitions, archive film screenings, guided walks, workshops and open gardens are included in the Spring Garden Festival in the Wellington region. The festival starts this month and continues in October and November, with Heritage Gardens the theme. Most events are free. Full details online.
Contact: (04) 938 1946
On the web: www.wellingtonheritagepromotions.org.nz
Students on show
Palmerston North will be brimming with innovative events during Student City Arts Week, from September 17 to 22. The schedule includes performances, exhibitions and workshops by the city's tertiary students, with the aim of celebrating the arts and having fun.
On the web: www.studentcity.co.nz
It's all downhill
Mt Hutt's Peak 2 Pub multisport event happens on September 29. If you want to do more than just watch, be prepared for a 100m dash to your skis or snowboard high on the slopes, a 18km mountainbike ride down the Mt Hutt access road and a 10km run. Enter as an individual or in a team of three.
On the web: www.nzski.com
Blooming good time
Blossom Festival, from September 15 to 30, offers dozens of activities, including the grand procession, which starts at 11.30am on September 22 with a parade of big rigs, followed at 12 by the grand parade of colourful floats. This free event is a prelude to Saturday in the Park, a carnival-style event which costs $15 adult, $5 child, $30 family. Other main events include Party in the Park featuring top New Zealand bands.
Contact: (03) 440 2052
