The All Aboard! Festival in Feilding celebrates the centenary of the North Island Main Trunk Railway. Over 20 train trips will be on offer over Labour Weekend, October 23-28, including a trip from Auckland on the Silver Fern railcar. Support activities include a locomotive cavalcade, theatre, dinners, artand garden rambles and markets.
When in Wellington The Wellesley boutique hotel in central Wellington is a restored neo-Georgian building that retains the refined ambience of its days as The Wellesley Club. Specials include the Boutique package, which offers luxury accommodation, breakfast, a newspaper and late check-out, from $175 per night. Other specials online.
Rotorua ride Bike the Lake on November 9 is a scenic yet challenging cycle ride around Lake Rotorua. Novice and recreational riders complete one lap, or 42km, while advanced riders complete two circuits. There are sections for juniors, masters and tandem riders, with great prizes and giveaways. Enter online.
Cold as ice The Antarctic Festival runs in Christchurch from September 26 to October 3. It includes movies, tours, exhibitions and talks, as well as the two-day Antarctic Ice-Capade at the International Antarctic Centre, which features ice sculptures, the Hagglund challenge, ice sports, aircraft tours and other family-friendly activities.
Southern arts The Otago Festival of the Arts runs in Dunedin, October 3-12. Local, national and international artists provide over 40 diverse events covering music, theatre, dance, visual arts and literature.
