On Sunday, November 30, watch the Farmers Santa Parade from the Mercure Hotel on the corner of Queen St and Customs St while enjoying afternoon tea with a lolly scramble, colouring-in contest and gifts from Santa. It's $25 per adult and $15 per child (under 12 years). Bookingsare essential.
Contact: (09) 306 0591
Light up your life New Plymouth's Pukekura Park becomes an illuminated fairy land during the Festival of Lights, from December 14 to February 8. The festival includes free nightly entertainment and a daytime activity programme.
Summer fun The Caroline Bay Carnival in Timaru includes fairground rides, daily concerts, mini-golf, truck and train rides and a bungy trampoline. There'll be talent quests and a fireworks display. It runs from December 26 to January 11.
Sail into summer Adventure Sail, a new Tauranga-based sailing company, provides personalised harbour cruises and extended charters. The boat can accommodate up to 11 people for picnics, day, evening or overnight sails. Bareboat or skippered options are available.
Most of the coast Greymouth's Wild West Adventures is running a White Water Rafting Festival in December. All rafting, including heli-rafting, is half price.
Contact: 0508 286 877 or (03) 768 6649
On the web: www.fun-nz.com
Touch of glamour Tiffin in the Tea Room, a Tot's Tea Party and a Wanna B Party are on in December at the historic Blue Baths in Rotorua. Visitors to the iconic building can enjoy thermally heated pools, museum galleries in the old changing rooms and an elegant 1930s style tearoom.
