Spotlight on Cairns

North Queensland's lovely Mission Beach. Photo / Getty Images

Each week, expat Kiwis tell us what they most love about living by Queensland's beaches. Today we hear from local government administrator Erenie Te Kakau.

I have been living in Cairns for about 17 years. It has beaut weather all year round, and parts that remind me of home, Tauranga.

The Tanks Art Centre, which is also part of the Botanic Gardens and the boardwalk area, hosts musicians such as Tiki Taane, Jimmy Cliff, Jimmy Barnes.

Tanks also runs art exhibitions, the Carnival on Collins, the Children's Festival every May, acting and drama workshops, markets on the last Sunday of every month, and loads more.

Other cultural events, such as the Tjapukai night show, offer free multicultural events and festivals from July to November.

Cairns is well-known for its snorkelling, diving and fishing on the Great Barrier Reef. But I find the best place to swim is Crystal Cascades, which has fresh water swimming holes without any crocs. It's a lovely drive about 15 minutes north west of Cairns.

There are loads of great beaches to choose from, including Ellis Beach, Palm Cove, Port Douglas and Mission Beach.

After a day of thrills - sky diving - or taking the scenic route along the coast road to Port Douglas, a good place to hang out after dusk is the Salt House or Vertigo Cocktail Bar & Lounge at the Casino (a more mature crowd). There is no entry cost and it usually has live bands.

Great places to eat include The Raw Prawn and Barnacle Bills seafood restaurants.

And sports-lovers can go along for a game of NRL footie at Barlow Park, where they may even catch the Rabbitohs v the Cowboys.

This series is part of a content partnership with Tourism Australia.