KEY POINTS:
Town warms up for its winter bash
Tickets are on sale for the Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival, which runs June 22-July 1. This celebration includes wacky events such as birdman, splash for cash, drag racing, pet parading and big air jumping.
There's a fantastic line-up of evening entertainment including fireworks, concerts, glitzy balls, comedy, theatre and variety shows. Tickets from Ticket Direct.
Contact: (03) 441 2453; 027 274 4272
On the web: On the web: www.winterfestival.co.nz
On the market
The weekend markets at the Arts Centre in Christchurch features over 80 stalls offering local art, fashion, jewellery and fresh produce.
They are held beside the Arts Centre, which is a maze of gothic revival buildings housing specialty shops, art galleries and food and entertainment venues.
The market runs every Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm, and the Arts Centre is open daily 9.30am-5pm.
Contact: (03) 364 9726
On the web: www.artscentre.org.nz
All jazzed up
This year is the 40th anniversary of the Manawatu Jazz & Blues Festival and the extensive line-up features key musicians who have been involved over the years.
As well as the main concerts there will be movies, workshops and a cafe scene, with free performances in pubs and cafes. The festival starts with Jazz & Movies on May 28 and finishes with the anniversary All-star Jazz Gala on June 3.
Contact: (09) 486 2621
On the web: www.manawatunz.co.nz
Films for thought
The 2007 Human Rights Film Festival runs at the Paramount Theatre in Wellington May 9-6 and the Regent on Worcester in Christchurch, May 16-20.
The theme is identity, and the thought-provoking films feature people in different situations attempting to express their identity by various means.There's a speakers' forum after each screening. The schedule is online.
On the web: www.humanrightsfilmfest.net.nz
Tua of Tauranga
Tauranga's Ataahua Tours and Adventure Bay of Plenty have joined forces to provide new packages that combine scooters, bikes or kayaks with Maori culture and a lot of fun.
The Scootua, Bike Tua, and Waka Tua packages visit important Maori sites and incorporate the legends, history and music of the scenic region.
Both operators provide several other activities and tours.
Contact: 0800 28 22 48; 0800 238 267
On the web: www.ataahua.maori.nz, On the web: www.adventurebop.co.nz,
Norway down under
The Tararua town of Norsewood celebrates its Scandinavian heritage by marking the national day of Norway on Sunday May 20.
The day includes a special church service, traditional dancing by local children, presentations and competitions, a parade to the Early Settler's Monument, and lunch. Visitors should register at the church at 10.30am.
Contact: (06) 374 0991
On the web: www.norsewoodcemetery.co.nz
