New Zealand on show during Spring Festival
13 Jun 2006
Visitors will be able to experience the country's finest food and wine, art and culture, and gardens at a number of events happening throughout the New Zealand Spring Festival.
Regions throughout New Zealand will come alive during the diverse range of events happening from September to November.
The New Zealand Spring Festival kicks off with the Northland Kauri Festival celebrating the country’s most majestic tree. Events held in September over two-weeks include guided walks to ancient kauri forests to see 2,000 year old kauri trees, Maori carving demonstrations and art exhibitions.
Also in September, Wellington will host one of New Zealand's most iconic art and cultural events, the Montana World of WearableArt Awards Show. The audience is treated to a two hour theatrical spectacular combining dance, colour, movement and art.
Kaikoura, north of Christchurch, is renowned for its abundant marine life. The seaside settlement is also famed for its crayfish and the Maori name Kaikoura translates to 'meal of crayfish'. Kaikoura Seafest in October showcases the region’s seafood and top local wines.
The population of Martinborough increases tenfold in November as wine and food lovers flock to the small Wairarapa town to celebrate the release of the season's new wines at Toast Martinborough. The event also features cuisine from Wairarapa and Wellington’s top restaurants along with live entertainment.
New Zealand art and culture take centre stage at events such as the Otago Festival of the Arts. Held in October, the Dunedin festival features an exciting programme of music, theatre, dance and opera from local and international performers.
The Nelson Arts Festival in October will feature New Zealand’s only sculpture symposium where sculptors can use any materials. The working period will also be open to the public.
Spring is the season to see New Zealand's gardens at their best. Garden festivals throughout this period such as the Ellerslie Flower Show, Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival, Hunters Garden Marlborough, and Bayleys Garden and Artfest, showcase the country’s finest public and private gardens.
Christchurch will be buzzing in mid-November during New Zealand Cup and Show Week, which will feature racing, fashion, food and entertainment.
Event dates:
Northland Kauri Festival, 14-30 September
Montana World of WearableArt Awards Show,
21 September - 1 October
Otago Festival of the Arts, 6-14 October
Kaikoura Seafest, 7 October
Nelson Arts Festival, 13-23 October
Taranaki Rhododendron & Garden Festival,
27 October - 5 November
Hunters Garden Marlborough, 1-6 November
Bayleys Garden and Artfest, 6-12 November
New Zealand Cup and Show Week, 9-18 November
Ellerslie International Flower Show, 15-19 November
Toast Martinborough, 19 November
These topics may also be of interest to you
|
