Horsing Around is a day of family fun at the Whangarei Museum and Kiwi House at Heritage Park. Vintage cars and tractors, steam engines and wartime radio equipment are some of the treasures on show, and you can ride a miniature train, a bullock sled, a pony, ora quad bike. There'll also be food stalls on site. It's on October 26 and costs $10 (adults), kids free.
Glorious gardens The 25th Dunedin Rhododendron Festival runs October 30 to November 2. Many stunning public and private gardens will be open, and the programme includes talks and workshops, garden tours, exhibitions, a photographic competition, fairs and fetes and a masquerade ball at Lanarch Castle.
By gum As well as the iconic gumboot throwing competition, Taihape's Gumboot Day on October 25 features art, entertainment, gumboot marches, beer and wine tasting, games and demonstrations. Competitions include a Fred Dagg lookalike, baking and wearable arts.
Pampered in Paihia The Tropical Spa Indulgence deal at the newly refurbished Paihia Beach Resort & Spa includes two nights' luxury accommodation, gourmet breakfasts, a couples indulgence package at on-site La Spa Naturale, a daily session in the sauna or steam room, a tropical spa platter, use of the heated pool and spa and a discount on many other spa treatments. It costs $399 per head and is valid until December 20.
Follow the art trail The Mangawhai Artists in Residence programme over Labour Weekend, October 25-26, is a chance to view the works of 40 local artists at over 17 venues.
