Whether it's a quiet amble through some of Northland's most spectacular scenery to view artworks or a higher octane visit to the frenetic-paced demo derby at Kaikohe, Easter Weekend offers it all.
If it's art that wins the day on Saturday or Sunday, then two out of three ain't bad- visitors to the Discover Whangarei Heads Arts Trail might not get perfect weather but they will enjoy some wonderful art and vistas.
Adrienne Dietrich, the organiser of the first event of its kind, said 35 artists will exhibit work at 25 venues from Tamaterau to Ocean Beach - among them glass artists, wood workers, ceramicists, painters, photographers, goldsmiths and engravers.
Five artists will exhibit at Whangarei Heads School in its dramatic Mt Manaia setting, where supporters will offer Devonshire teas as a school fundraiser.
As well as offering the artists exposure and highlighting the depth of local creative talent, the trail will give visitors to the region - and remind locals - how much the Heads area offers in terms of accommodation, walks, fishing and other marine activities Ms Dietrich said.
Another 12 artists who did not get on to this inaugural trail say they want to be involved next year in what could become a signature arts event of Whangarei.
Discover Whangarei Heads is a promotional group of about 35 people with several artists among them. While the group has set up the art trail, it is a collaborative venture rather than a business one.
"We're not making anything out of this," Ms Dietrich said of the art trail itself. Some of the costs of promotion have been covered by grants from a Whangarei District Council community support fund and from Creative Communities. However, a gold coin donation for the brochure that will help people find their way around will be much appreciated.
The brochure is available at Whangarei I-Sites, the Discover Whangarei Heads caravan on Parua Bay Rd at Waikaraka, and at various cafes and businesses. It can also be downloaded free from the discoverwhangareiheads.co.nz website.
