Get 2010 off to a healthy start by spending New Year cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail with Adventure South. The five-day small group tour departs on December 28 and as well as cycling you'll explore old gold-mining townships, go curling in Naseby, and finish on board the historic Taieri Gorge Railway. Other cycling and hiking tours are available.
Contact: 0800 001 166
On the web: advsouth.co.nz
Paua power
Coromandel's Tangiaro Kiwi Retreat hosts the inaugural Port Charles Paua Festival on Labour Weekend, Saturday, October 24. Enjoy live music while you feast on paua, mussels, oysters, fish, crayfish and and wine. Activities include tours to the Port Charles Paua Farm, competitions and art displays. Accommodation packages available.
Contact: 0800 826 4420
On the web: kiwiretreat.co.nz
Swinging south
Queenstown swings to myriad styles of jazz during the ASB JazzFest, which runs October 16-26. Around 200 performers will bring a mix of big bands, blues, swing, Dixie and dance bands to venues around the region, and there'll be workshops, master classes and competitions.
On the web: asbjazzfest.co.nz
Taste of the north
Discover the best food and beverages that the Far North has to offer at Taste Bay of Islands in Paihia on October 10. More than 30 stalls will offer samples and sales, and there'll be live music, activities to keep the kids happy, and the final of the Kids Can Cook competition. It runs 10am-4pm and admission is $5. In the evening there'll be a Kauri Tucker Dinner in a working woolshed, where diners will be treated to a signature dish from five top eateries. It costs $79.
Contact: (09) 438 6577, 021 0292 7171
Email: info@collectiveconcepts.co.nz
Enjoy the high life
Treat yourself - or someone else - to a night of luxury at Terrace Downs Resort in the spectacular Canterbury high country. Special spring packages include the Girls' Getaway, which includes accommodation, continental breakfast, a welcome basket, and a designated spa treatment in the resort's new day spa. Rates start at $205 per person and conditions apply.
Contact: (03) 318 6943
On the web: terracedowns.co.nz
