KEY POINTS:
The Paihia Matariki Art Exhibition features painting, photography, flax and sculpture from established Northland artists as well as local schools. There's a postcard exhibition, a silent auction, floral art and art demonstrations, kete and kite-making workshops and entertainment. It's at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort, May 30-June 2, and is open Saturday and Sunday 10am-9pm, Monday 10am-3pm. On June 7, there's an evening Celestial Navigation Tour through the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Contact: (09) 402 5593
Email: godsiff@xnet.co.nz.
Lyttelton lights up
Lyttelton Harbour takes on a magical quality during the Light Up Lyttelton Festival, June 13-22. It opens with a masquerade party, followed by numerous events featuring local food, music and performances at venues around the harbour. The street festival on June 20 features a parade, performers, short films, a street market and fireworks.
Contact: (03) 328 8359
Chart stoppers
Christchurch celebrates New Zealand Music Month with Chartfest, a day/night extravaganza featuring many live performances, music clinics, workshops, stalls, prizes and giveaways. It's at the Christchurch Town Hall on May 23 and tickets cost $17.50. Book at Ticketek.
On the web: www.christchurchmusic.org.nz/events
Get exploring
A special winter getaway offer from Explore More campervans offers Auckland residents a "Rotovegas" campervan for two nights/three days for $105. The two-berth van is equipped with bedding, gas cooking facilities, a fridge, utensils and kitchenware, a DVD player and an MP3 adaptor. It's valid until September 30.
Contact: 0800 447 363
On the web: a href="http://www.exploremore.co.nz"target="new">www.exploremore.co.nz
Military might
Military heritage is the theme for Heritage Month in the Wellington/Wairarapa region and on June 15-16 and June 28-29, Featherston's Heritage Museum will hold special weekends. Its extensive collection of military memorabilia will be complemented by military vehicles and stationary motors loaned from local collectors. It runs 10am-4pm.
Contact: (06) 308 8468
Email: maramau@farmside.co.nz
Dragon around
The Chinese Dragonboat festival, Duan Wu Jie, falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. On June 7, the Manawatu Chinese Community Trust celebrates this ancient sporting event and the Beijing Olympics with a community event showcasing traditional Chinese sports and culture. It runs in The Square, Palmerston North, 11am-2pm, and it's free.
Contact: (06) 356 9158
Email: mcct.trust@yahoo.co.nz
