Race or stroll around lake Taupo

By HEATHER RAMSAY

Join more than 4000 runners and walkers in New Zealand's largest half-marathon - the Taupo Levene Half on Sunday August 1. The non-competitive event has plenty of spot prizes and follows a flat course beside the lake that offers spectacular mountain views. Registration is on July 31 from 2pm to 6pm or on the morning of the event from 7am. Runners start at 9am and walkers at 9.05am. Entry forms can be printed from www.taupohalfmarathon.org.nz


Contact: (07) 378 1546

Email: joce@reap.org.nz


A Pleasant outing

The country town of Pleasant Point, near Timaru, is home to Pleasant Point Museum and Railway, which offers a delightful journey through the history of rail. As well as fully restored steam trains, there's an old-time movie theatre featuring historic film clips, famous movies and cartoons, and a museum packed with railway memorabilia. Pleasant Point has what is thought to be the world's only Model T Ford Railcar. The railcar and steam trains take passengers on a relaxing excursion through the town. Timetables depend on the season and are available online.

Contact: (03) 686 2269

Email: ba.mc.blanchard@xtra.co.nz


www.timaru.com/railway


Glorious gardens

Manawatu is renowned for beautiful gardens, including the Palmerston North Esplanade Rose Garden, which has been named one of the top five in the world. To make visiting the region's gardens a breeze, pick up Gardens of Manawatu, a brochure containing a detailed map and descriptions of 19 gardens that range from the urban to Cross Hills, an internationally recognised haven for camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons.

Contact: 06 354 6593

www.manawatunz.co.nz


Sapphire soaking

It's the time of year when soaking in a thermal pool sounds divine, and Sapphire Springs Hot Pools at Katikati has a range of pools to keep everyone in the family happy. The 30ha property is nestled at the base of the Kaimai Ranges. As well as thermal pools, it has bush walks with glow worms, a cafe, and a meandering stream with swimming holes. There's also accommodation ranging from campsites to self-contained units.

Contact: (07) 549 0768

Email: sapphire.springs@xtra.co.nz


Something blue

Mamaku Blue Winery, a 15-minute drive from Rotorua, is on Maraeroa Rd just off State Highway 5. The 40ha berry farm is a leading blueberry producer and exporter and boasts the largest blueberry winery in New Zealand. The visitor centre has a reception area and shop, a cafe, banquet room and a museum. Daily tours offer a trip through the berry plantation, winery and museum, followed by sampling in the cafe and shop. The centre is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with tours available on request.

Contact: (07) 332 5840

www.mamakublue.co.nz


Old times

The Raglan and District Museum is a storehouse for the rich, diverse history of the area, and is well worth a look if you're in the area for the weekend. It's usually open on Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 3.30pm, but visits can be arranged outside these hours.

Contact: (07) 825 8129

It's warm inside

Whangarei's Conservatory, Fernery, Filmy Fernhouse and Cactus House provides an indoor horticultural centre in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy plants that include colourful and exotic palms and orchids, bizarre cacti and succulents, fragrant sub-tropical plants and native ferns. Open daily from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free. The wheelchair-friendly complex adjoins Cafler Park, which is home to the Whangarei Art Museum, Scented Garden and Rose Gardens.

Contact: (09) 430 4200

Way, way down south

Stewart Island is definitely off the beaten track, but Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience promises to take you even further away from civilisation to enjoy the peace and timeless beauty of our deep south. Their wilderness adventures on Ulva Island and Stewart Island focus on natural and cultural history. There are trips to suit different interests and abilities, including guided nature walks and hikes, kiwi-spotting, bird-watching and guided sea kayaking.

Contact: (03) 219 1066

www.ruggedyrange.com