It is Queen's Birthday weekend no more after the coronation of Charles III as King last month. Photo / Mark Large
It is Queen's Birthday weekend no more after the coronation of Charles III as King last month. Photo / Mark Large
From enjoying a high tea to cruising local markets, there are many ways to make the most of our first King’s Birthday weekend in more than 70 years. Check out the Advocate’s guide for tips on keeping yourself entertained this long weekend.
For the kids
Go ice skating in Whangārei Heads
Be prepared for a cool but not cold disco ice skating experience at Parua Bay School on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
The state-of-the-art artificial ice rink is part of the Ice Skate Tour travelling around the country.
Tickets cost $9 for those under 16, and $12 for those 16 and above. Family ticket options are available. Helmets and gloves - compulsory for kids - are provided at no charge.
For the animal lover in your family. Kiwi North, Museum & Heritage Park offers viewings of kiwi in a special nocturnal kiwi house as well gecko spotting.
The Maunu site has a small indoor museum, as well as an outdoor heritage park, so families can learn more about the local history.
Swing through the trees at Glenbervie Forest
Check out the treetop playground of Adventure Forest. Zipline from tree to tree through the obstacle course, balance on tightropes, swing into nets and traipse wobbly bridges.
Bookings are essential for the park, located at 160 Maruata Rd, Glenbervie. Visit adventureforest.co.nz for more information.
For the active
Rev your engine at Whangarei Motorcycle Club’s opening weekend
The Ruakākā Motorcross Park will host a weekend of racing on Sunday and Monday for A, B, and C classes - no licence needed.
Renew your membership and ride the track before the first round of the Hopper Construction Winter Series.
For more information visit the club’s Facebook page.
Enjoy fast-paced views at the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park
A trail in the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park.
The park is located in the beautifulBay of Islands. Tracks for all levels - including family-friendly courses - are available in the Waitangi Endowment Forest.
Pack a lunch to picnic at the top where you can enjoy sea views. Rent bikes on-site or take your own. For more information visit ridewaitangi.nz.
Whangārei band What the Folk? is hosting two workshops on Monday at the Whangārei Central Library for people keen to expand their musical prowess.
From 3.30pm, an hour-long, small group instruction will introduce you to a world of traditional instruments. Learn the role of various melody (fiddle, mandolin, whistle) and rhythm instruments (guitar, bodhran) along with basic techniques.
From 5pm to 6.30pm learn more about folk tunes, techniques, and etiquette. Build a repertoire of music played at pubs, festivals, community centres and campfires around the world.
All instruments and ability levels are welcome, please bring your own instrument.
Cover band Raise the Bar will be crooning tunes at The Pioneer Bar & Restaurant in Waipapa on Saturday from 8.30pm.
For those in or near Poroti, head to the local tavern at 7.30pm on Saturday to check out Northland rock ‘n’ rollers Kurfew. A fire show will take place at 7pm before the band takes to the stage.
Juanita Bassett performs with covers band Kurfew. Photo / Peter de Graaf
For market lovers
Gift shop at the Mangonui Craft Market
Head down to the Mangonui Hall from 9am to 1pm to go craft hunting at this free indoor market.
A huge range of goodies are on offer - local olive oil, kauri products, jewellery, knitting, kids’ hats, handmade cards ... the list is endless!
Check out Kaurihohore’s community market
Bask in the lovely rural setting Kaurihohore - just six minutes’ drive north of Kamo - where you will find a trove of treasures by local stallholders.
On offer will be: produce, plants, home baking, honey and crafts, including jewellery, knitted and crocheted baby clothes and wraps, soaps, candles, leather products, artwork, turned wooden items, calendars, pot plant holders - and more!
Fuel up at the cafe on-site or enjoy the sausage sizzle.
The Monday Market is an initiative from Kaurihohore Church to build relationships within its communities.
Hit the streets of Waipū
Waipū is a small town with a big heart and an even bigger outdoor street market. With more 150 stalls to browse, there is sure to be something to tempt everyone.
From 9am to 2pm, the Waipū Street Market will take over not only Main St but also Caledonian Park, Celtic Barn and the Coronation Hall.
No matter the weather, the town’s biggest winter market yet will still go ahead. A small request - please leave your pets at home.
To book email: mara.atoceans@gmail.com or phone (09) 553 3246.
Take a class on how animals learn and the best way to train them
Anyone interested in dogs and horses can take up this opportunity provided by The Grooming Lounge & Daycare in Whangārei to hone their knowledge about animals.
At 9am on Sunday a full-day interactive workshop begins where participants - pet owners to professionals - can understand why animals do what they do and the best way to teach them.
Learn how horses - and dogs - make sense of the world at the King's Birthday workshops. Photo / Peter de Graaf
Another workshop takes place the following day at Whangārei Riding for the Disabled in Barge Park. This time, current or wannabe trainers immerse themselves in theory, activities and hands-on training with horses and dogs - the animals are provided.
Helping Paws in Mangawhai is having an adult cat adoption day on Saturday from 1pm to 4pm.
Find your new furry family member among the 80 cats in need of forever homes who you can meet at 92 Pebblebrooke Rd.
Around 80 adult cats are looking for their forever homes. Photo / 123RF
All cats are desexed and microchipped; have had a first vaccination; come with 30 days’ pet insurance and an adoption pack that contains food and other treats to get you started.
The programme holistically develops the skills of aspiring young Māori artists, placing their unique Māori identity as the cornerstone for success. Visit www.waitangi.org.nz
