Close to home: Zip it up

Ziptrek. Photo / Supplied

Queenstown's new Ziptrek is an ecological adventure with views of Lake Wakatipu as you zip through the forest canopy on flying foxes. You're in the trees for the entire two-hour tour and between the flying foxes, experienced guides deliver an interpretive talk. It operates daily and is suitable for people 7 years and over who meet weight requirements.
Contact: (03) 441 2102
On the web: www.ziptrek.com

Tractor action
Put on your gumboots and satisfy the farmer within at the Hahei Tractor Bash, May 1-2. The weekend includes a tug-o-war, an autumn swim, novelty races and games, plus food, wine and music. It finishes with a parade of tractors, with prizes including best vintage tractor, best paint job and most extreme machine.
Email: pkharrison@xtra.co.nz
On the web: www.hahei.co.nz

On the fringe
Ignition - the Hamilton Fringe Festival, takes place June 11-19. It aims to support new talent, and inspire artists and audiences with an edgy, open-access programme of theatre, dance, music and arts.
Contact: (07) 838 6424
On the web: www.hamiltonfringe.co.nz

Workshop weekend
Tirau's WoW - Weekend of Workshops - runs May 21-23, and offers more than 100 workshops ranging in length from a few hours to three days. Workshops include painting, arts and craft, singing and music, different dance forms, circus, bird watching, DIY, health, photography, writing, cooking and much more.
Contact: 021 957 469
On the web: www.tirauwow.homestead.com

Poetic pathway
Katikati's Haiku Pathway is a peaceful trail that meanders alongside a stream behind the main street. This ongoing project now features 31 river boulders engraved with evocative haiku. On June 6, the town celebrates the pathway's 10th anniversary, with winners of the biennial haiku contest announced in a Japanese-themed event in the community hall. Proceeds go towards extending the pathway.
On the web: www.katikati.org.nz