KEY POINTS:
Waipu's annual Highland Games will be held at Caledonian Park on January 1, followed by the inaugural Waipu Celtic Music Festival on January 3, also at Caledonian Park. The festival includes piping
and highland dancing demonstrations. There'll be a Gaelic language
workshop, whisky tasting, several bands, storytellers, food, and a cash bar. It runs 12pm-10.30pm
Contact: (09) 432 0746
On the web: www.waipumuseum.com/attractions
Mussels and music
Port FitzRoy on Great Barrier Island comes alive for The Great FitzRoy
Mussel Festival on January 10. Succulent mussels will be complemented by a variety of seafood, with live music adding to the atmosphere. It runs 10am-1am.
Contact: (09) 429 0809
On the web: www.greatbarriernz.com
Southern summer
The Summerdaze Festival kicks off on New Year's Eve with music and fireworks on the lakefronts in Queenstown and Wanaka. That's followed by a month of free activities and entertainment in the area, including teddy bears' picnics, twilight cinema, Chinese New Year celebrations, and more.
Contact: (03) 443 2700
On the web: www.summerdaze.co.nz
Carnival at Caroline
The Caroline Bay Carnival at Timaru offers many free or low-cost events, activities and competitions such as fairground rides, concerts
and train and mini-rig rides. It runs December 26 to January 11.
Contact: (03) 6862 136
On the web: www.carolinebay.org.nz
Under starry skies
Black Barn Vineyards in Havelock North holds an outdoor film festival
December 27 to January 6. Nine movies will be screened in the vineyard's
amphitheatre, where patrons can spread a picnic on grassy terraces and sip a glass of wine while watching movies.
Admission is $15, $90 for a season pass, and $45 for a family.
On the web: www.blackbarn.com
