A user's guide to summer fun

There's plenty to see, hear and do over the rest of the summer months, writes Karen Tay.

JANUARY 13-JANUARY 19

ARTS

SBS ANTIQUES AND RETRO EXTRAVAGANZA

Nelson is a treasure-trove for antique lovers and there is a huge selection of antiques and collectibles available in this show set in the historic setting of Founders Heritage Park, as featured on TV's Auction House. It's on January 19 and 20. Cost: $5, door sales

MUSIC

BIG DAY OUT 2008

The grandaddy of New Zealand music festivals is headlined by alternative hardcore rockers Rage Against the Machine. They are joined by Bjork, Arcade Fire, hip-hoppers Dizzee Rascal and our own Shihad, Katchafire, Phoenix Foundation and The Clean. It's on January 18 in Auckland so beg your boss for the day off. Cost: $122, www.ticketek.co.nz

FAMILY

WORLD BUSKERS FESTIVAL

Some of the world's best street performers are in Christchurch from January 17-27. It's also the 15th birthday of this event and helping to celebrate are the Black Street Boyz. Other confirmed acts include The Ojarus (Japan), Klirr Deluxe (Germany), The Chipolatas (UK), Mr Bunk (Canada), The Space Cowboy (Australia), Roy Tukkers (Netherlands) and our own Topp Twins. Cost: Various, www.worldbuskersfestival.com

RACING

WELLINGTON CUP CARNIVAL

Part of the Destination Summer Holiday Racing series. The carnival takes place on January 19, 21 and 26 and includes the feature races the Telegraph Handicap, Thorndon Mile and Wellington Cup. Cost: $5.

JANUARY 20 JANUARY 26

MUSIC

SOUNDAY

Shapeshifter and Ladi 6 headline this Hagley Park, Christchurch, event on January 20. Cost: $23, www.ticketek.co.nz

FAMILY

NORTHLAND CIRCUS FESTIVAL

A circus on the shores of the Kai Iwi Lakes near Dargaville from January 25-27. The three-day pass entitles you to a minimum of two workshops a day and entry to public shows. There is also a kids' zone for children under five. Cost: $50, www.circuskumarani.co.nz

THE GREAT LAKE MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

This recreates the atmosphere of a medieval tournament dress up as a knight or lady and participate in games, feasts, dancing and music. This event is held in Taupo from January 26-28. Cost: Register on www.taupojoust.com

JANUARY 27 FEBRUARY 2

MUSIC

A DAY ON THE GREEN

This series of three winery concerts around the country (Auckland, Martinborough and Waipara) is scheduled for January 26, 27 and 28. It is headlined by R'n'B singer Joe Cocker with guests Midge Marsden and Hammond Gamble. The concerts offer all-inclusive VIP packages, reserved seating at the front of the stage and also general admission tickets. The venues have been chosen for their beautiful setting and the quality of their wines. Cost: $90 for general admission and $350 for a VIP package that includes VIP parking, pre-concert drinks and canapes, dinner and reserved seating, www.ticketmaster.co.nz

RAGGAMUFFIN MUSIC FESTIVAL

The first reggae festival of its sort in New Zealand will be held in Rotorua on February 2. It features a host of international and local names such as UB40, The Wailers, Maxi Priest, Arrested Development, House of Shem, Katchafire and The Black Seeds. Cost: From $25, www.ticketmaster.co.nz

FOOD & WINE

HARVEST HAWKE'S BAY

Home to some of the country's finest vineyards, the 13th annual harvest festival is on February 2 and 3. All the wineries hold an open day with wine tastings, workshops and new vintages teamed with food. There are also a selection of concerts available. Create your own itinerary simply by getting a ticket on one of the shuttle buses. Cost: $40 for bus ride, glass and holder, call 0800-442946 or visit www.harvesthawkesbay.co.nz

THE KAWHIA TRADITIONAL KAI FESTIVAL

A celebration of traditional Maori kai from the land and sea. The MC this year is Maori TV presenter Te Hamua Nikora. There are also sites offering flax weaving, wood carving, moko and cloak making. It's on February 2 in Kawhia. Cost: $15 for family pass. Call (07) 871-0755 or visit www.kawhiakaifestival.co.nz

ARTS

CULTUREFEST 2008

A three-day arts festival including music, food, wine and other entertainment on Waiheke Island from February 1-3. Cost: $100. Call 09-3725571 or visit www.culturefest.co.nz

FEBRUARY 3 FEBRUARY 9

MUSIC

GROOVE IN THE PARK

The Waitangi Day event is at Auckland's Western Springs Stadium this year and boasts a line-up that includes

Supergroove, Swedish house producer DJ Axwell and Melbourne duo TV Rock feat Seany B. Other artists include Tama Waipara, Open Souls and covers band Once Were DJs. Cost: $25 for earlybird tickets, www.ticketmaster.co.nz 

MORE FM WINERY TOUR

Wine and song in exotic surroundings. This year's lineup features Anika Moa, Brooke Fraser and Goldenhorse. They play 11 dates from February 5-24. Cost: From $60, visit www.ticketek.co.nz or www.thewinerytour.co.nz

SPLORE 08

This three-day event is on February 8-10 in Auckland at Tapapakanga Regional Park. It's an all-ages gig with food stalls and a bar area for over-18s. There is also a burlesque lounge area hosted by UK performer Empress Stah Roses open on Saturday night. It's not just a music festival, it also features visual arts, film, performance art and workshops. Cost: $160 (price rises to $175 in January), www.iticket.co.nz

FOOD & WINE

MARLBOROUGH WINE FESTIVAL 08

The 25th anniversary of this event is on February 9 at the Brancott Estate Vineyard in Marlborough. Go for wine tastings, wine tutorials, gourmet food from local chefs and a line-up of Kiwi performers. Cost: $42, www.ticketdirect.co.nz

FAMILY

PAEROA HIGHLAND GAMES

A day of activities including highland dancing, solo piping, chopping carnival, clans' march and a pipeband contest. February 9 in various locations around Paeroa the day will end with a pipe bands street march and evening tattoo. Cost: $10-$15 adults, $2 children, for location information ph 07-8627320.

FEBRUARY 10 FEBRUARY 16

FOOD & WINE

MAZDA SUMMER MATINEE

Presented by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra on February 16 at the Villa Maria Estate Winery in Mangere, Auckland. This is the orchestra's annual fundraising concert and the ticket price includes a gourmet picnic hamper with Villa Maria wine. Cost: $75 or $25 for children's hampers, ph 09-6231052 or www.apo.co.nz

ARTS

GLOBAL EXTRAVAGANZA 2008

An entertainment, food, fashion, arts and crafts event on February 10 at Victoria Square in Christchurch. There is also a global fashion show and all proceeds go to Ronald McDonald House. Free entry. For more information ph 03-3790099.

MUSIC

SOUNDSPLASH 08 ECO REGGAE FESTIVAL

Phat sounds, free parking, two campsites, beach access, 40 acts and two stages at the Wainui Reserve in Raglan from February 15-17. This is an all-ages gig featuring local artists including Brazilbeat Sound System, Safari, Cornerstone Roots, Open Souls and Tahuna Breaks. Cost: $125 or $135 with camping, www.motherland.co.nz

FEBRUARY 17 FEBRUARY 23

ARTS

NORTH SHORE HOME AND GARDEN SHOW

The latest innovations in home and garden design. It's on from February 22-24 at the North Shore Events Centre and there is an alfresco food court. Children under 16 free. Cost: $8, door sales, www.homeandgardenshow.co.nz

GEON BREBNER PRINT ART DECO WEEKEND

Napier's annual art deco weekend. This year's programme is on from February 14-17 and takes place in various venues around the city. Enjoy jazz, dining, dancing, film, theatre, house tours, vintage cars, plane rides and more. Cost: $18-$70 for different events. For tickets www.artdeconapier.com

FOOD & WINE

BRIGHTWATER WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL

A classic summer festival in Nelson on February 17. Local and international chefs offer a selection of wines, olive products, boutique beers and selected crafts in a setting of vineyards and native bush. Free entry. Visit www.bwff.co.nz

DEVONPORT FOOD, WINE and MUSIC FESTIVAL 2008

A weekend of live music on February 16 and 17 featuring The Electric Confectionaires, Nesian Mystik, Hollie Smith, Greg Johnson, Union, Corporate Voice Experience, Midge Marsden, Hello Sailor, The Lady Killers and more. Cost: $35 (earlybird) including free wine voucher or $40 door sales, ph 0508 4842538.

MUSIC

THE LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS

February 22 at the Dunedin Town Hall. Annual concert led this year by bass baritone Jonathan Lemalu. Audience participation is a key element and you are encouraged to dress-up, have your face painted, sing out loud, hold balloons and throw streamers. There is a prize for best-dressed. Cost: $10-$65, ph 03-4778597 or www.ticketek.co.nz

SEALORD OPERA IN THE PARK

The Nelson City Council has organised a range of programmes aimed at drawing tourists to the city. The festival kicks off with a lantern spectacular and there's summer movies, a buskers and street theatre series, which includes a Buskers Go Bad cabaret show, as well as events for the whole family. The grand finale is the Sealord Opera in the Park concert on February 16 featuring Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and friends (Simon O'Neill, Jonathan Lemalu and Helen Medlyn) in Trafalgar Square. Cost: Some events are free but tickets start from $15 for the opera, ph 03-5483083 or www.kiriinnelson.co.nz

IN TUNE WITH NATURE

Concert series featuring Hayley Westenra and Dave Dobbyn. They will perform separately with their own band and also collaborate on a few songs. The series runs from February 16-24 covering Queenstown, Waipara, Blenheim, Havelock North, Martinborough and Auckland. Cost: $65. Visit www.ticketek.co.nz

FAMILY

UPPER HUTT SUMMER CARNIVAL

A two-day show on February 22 and 23 featuring carnival rides, sideshows and axemen. at Trentham Memorial Park in Upper Hutt. There are 15 pipe bands and even excavators balancing teacups. Cost: $5, door sales.

A BUSH PARTY

Music Mountain Matakana is a bush reserve venue an hour's drive north of Auckland. Fat Freddy's Drop and special guests will play and there is a licensed bar and catering. February 23. Cost: $85. Visit www.amplifier.co.nz

FEBRUARY 24 MARCH 1

GARDENS

FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS

A floral celebration of Christchurch with exhibitions, lectures, workshops and floral displays. It's on from February 22-March 1 in the precinct between Christchurch Botanic Gardens and the Christchurch Cathedral. Cost: Varies, www.festivalofflowers.co.nz

FOOD & WINE

THE CJ PASK GREAT LONG LUNCH

An al fresco dining experience that accommodates 800 guests at a 300m table. February 24 at the Marine Parade Gardens in Napier. Dine in a seaside setting with matching Hawke's Bay wines from the CJ Pask Winery. Cost: $85, www.napierinthecity.co.nz

 

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