Let's go NZ

A lot of hot air over Wairarapa


Caption1: RISING: Van Gogh balloon in Wairarapa.


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TextBox2: To be considered for a free entry in Let's Go, send details of your event or business to travel@nzherald.co.nz. Things do change so always call to check details of events before leaving home.

What do Vincent Van Gogh, an enormous rooster and a huge sun have in common? They're all novelty hot air balloons that will hover over Wairarapa during the International Balloon Fiesta on March 24-28. The rugged Tararua Ranges are the backdrop for competitions and displays from balloon pilots.

The fiesta highlight is the magical Powerco Night Glow on Saturday March 27 at Solway Showgrounds, Masterton. Tethered balloons glow against the night sky in a display set to music, and there's a fireworks finale. Balloon rides are available, and there are special events planned.

On the web: www.nzballoons.co.nz

Ethnic extravaganza The Taranaki Multi Ethnic Extravaganza attracts thousands of participants and spectators to New Plymouth every year. The event starts at 10.30am on March 27 with a parade through the central city, followed by outdoor performances at Yarrow Stadium, Maratahu Street, 11.15am-5pm. Entertainment for kids and dozens of ethnic food, art and craft stalls complement the action on stage. Entry is a gold coin donation.

Contact: (06) 752 1313, email cleverennie@xtra.co.nz

French flair Browns Bay Beach Reserve on Beachfront Lane will resound with the thud of petanque boules, French music and joie de vivre during the Piaf and Petanque day on Sunday, March 28, from 12pm-5pm. There'll be French food and wine, a Citroen car display and music from French Toast.

Contact: Sally (09) 478 4301

Sunday fun day The Mt Albert Fun Day will be held on March 21, 10am-2pm at the Mt Albert War Memorial Reserve and Mt Albert Community Centre. It's a day designed with the family in mind, with fun activities, entertainment and stalls.

The Onehunga Festival runs from 11am-4pm at the Onehunga Bay Reserve in Beachcroft Ave. It features entertainment, competitions, stalls, and activities on and off the water.

Explore our past Russell in the Bay of Islands hosts A Festival of History, April 4-6. This informative symposium brings together historians and storytellers to explore early relationships between Maori and European.

On the web: www.pompallier.co.nz

Walk the Hump Ridge Tuatapere in the southwest corner of the South Island is the starting point for the Hump Ridge Track. The walk takes three days and two nights, and passes through coastal landscapes including the Waitutu coastal marine terraces, podocarp and beech forests, and sub-alpine settings with moonscapes of tors and tarns. Wildlife that might be spotted includes seals, Hector's dolphins, kea and other native birds.

Three walking packages are available, from independent to fully guided. Bookings are essential.

Contact: 0800 486 774

On the web: www.humpridgetrack.co.nz

Heather Ramsay