Close to home: Body of work

5:00 AM Tuesday Sep 13, 2011

The NZ Body Art Awards take place at the Aotea Centre on October 1 and will feature more than 90 body artists and performers displaying their imaginative takes on the theme "Aotearoa: Land of The Long White Cloud". As well as stunning body painting, there'll be fantastic examples of special effects make-up for film and television.

Greatest love

Some of New Zealand's best kapa haka exponents come together for the dramatic production of Arohanui - The Greatest Love, which runs in Wellington from October 6-9, and Auckland, October 13-21. This inspirational show blends traditional haka, martial arts, theatre, poi, musical composition and contemporary Maori art forms in an emotional tale of revenge and torn loyalties.

Sneak peek

Find out what happens behind the scenes of Martinborough's top vineyards, olive groves and food producers during Martinborough Unmasked, October 10-11. More than a dozen producers will provide a snapshot of their businesses, with activities ranging from pruning olive trees to sampling wine in an underground cellar. The experiences take place on the hour between 11am and 3pm, and each day ends at Martinborough Hotel with local wine and food.

Go Dutch

Get a taste of the Netherlands at the Tulip and Daffodil Spring Festival, held at Hamilton Gardens from September 17-18. Thousands of flowering bulbs will provide a beautiful backdrop for a programme that features cultural performances, a market with traditional Dutch food, flower stalls and a flower show, clog sail races, live music, competitions and demonstrations. It runs 10am-4pm daily and admission is free.

Cold as ice

From October 1, the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch will extend its opening hours to 9am-7pm. The free Penguin Express pick-up and drop-off shuttle service has returned, and now includes Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. You can also take a new combo that combines a city tour on a traditional London double-decker bus with a visit to the centre - and kids go free with a paying adult.