Think you're a tough guy or gal? Then New Zealand in July's the place for you to prove it! Of course, if an army assault course isn't quite your cup of tea, there's plenty of other things for you to do in NZ this month!

Te Taumata Exhibition Series 2011 - Rona Ngahuia Osbourne - AUCKLAND
21 June - 9 July
Admission: FREE
w: www.matarikifestival.org.nz/events/detail.asp?ID=584
As part of the Matariki Festival 2011, the Te Taumata Exhibition Series 2011 celebrates excellence in Maori visual arts in galleries across Auckland. Rona Ngahuia Osbourne will be exhibiting at Artstation Toi Tu. Te Taumata Exhibition Series features four different artists and is curated by Karl Chitham.

Jacky Pearson & Eugenea: Their impressions of Wellington - WELLINGTON
01 July - 09 July
Admission: FREE
w: http://www.ngaiofinearts.co.nz/exhibitions.htm
Jacky & Eugenea are both immigrants to New Zealand and we are very pleased they chose Wellington as their new home. Jacky comes from England and Eugenea from Russia. Both have made a major contribution to the Wellington art scene over the last 15-20 years.

New Zealand International Film Festival - AUCKLAND
11 July - 14 July
Admission: From $12.50
w: http://www.nzff.co.nz/
The annual New Zealand International Film Festival continues to be the premier film event of the year, and the cultural highlight of the New Zealand winter. The Festival commences in mid-July, lighting up central Auckland. The line-up will feature more than 140 titles including key titles from the Cannes and Sundance film festivals.

Tough Guy and Gal Challenge - PALMERSTON NORTH
16 July
w: http://www.toughguyandgal.co.nz/
Admission: $70
Think you're tough? Well, how about you provie it at the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge! Based at the Linton Military Camp, Camp Road, 10km from the CBD of Palmerston North, this is a great opportunity for civilians to experience some of the NZ Military facilities including the assault course.

The course will include water trails, crawl under barb wire obstacles, swamp crossings, steep bush rope grab, open paddock running, plus numerous parts of the NZ Army assault course. A six kilometre (one lap) or 12 kilometre (two laps) options are available. Try it out!

Silverdale Market - AUCKLAND
Every Saturday until 30 July
w: http://www.silverdalebusiness.co.nz/
Silverdale traditional market. Each Saturday 8am to 1pm. Lots of bargains. Fresh vegs, plants, flowers, jewellery and much more. While here, visit the Pioneer Village. Have coffee and sample locally made baking. Silverdale for that something a little different.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2010

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

June in New Zealand means Māori New Year, as well as plenty of winter festivals and some of the best spots for winter sports and snowy good times in NZ!

Auckland Matariki/Maori New Year Festival – AUCKLAND
4 June to 4 July
Admission: Largely free, varying fees dependent on event
W: www.matarikifestival.org.nz
Matariki is the unique cultural festival celebrating the dawning of Māori New Year. Auckland's Matariki Festival promises to be better than ever this year, with more than 100 special events and activities across Tamaki Makaurau. From musical concerts and cultural performances, to a Māori business symposium and a Kai Wānanga / food forum, organisers say the aim is to provide Aucklanders and visitors with the chance to experience a living cultural tradition with tangata whenua / people of the land - celebrating the unique Māori heritage, nature, creativity and expression.

The Last Great Lake Tekapo Mountain Bike Pursuit – LAKE TEKAPO, GERALDINE,
5 June
Admission: $100
W: www.mtbpursuits.com
Cafes and restaurants on and around “eat street” in the CBD will be host to a variety of blues acts, with a variety of music styles from 11am every day. Plus there is a Hot Club concerts at Novotel Rotorua and the Blues Cruise on the Lakeland Queen!

SBS Marathon – CHRISTCHURCH
5 June
W: http://www.sbsmarathon.co.nz
The South Island's premier marathon event. A fast, flat tour of the spectacular Avon River and Hagley Park with something for everyone. Options include marathon (42.2k), half marathon (21.1k), 10k, kids' Mara'Fun. More than 5000 entrants expected.

Matariki Festival – WELLINGTON
9 June to 26 June
W: www.tepapa.govt.nz/WhatsOn/Matariki/Pages/Matarikifulleventsprogramme.aspx
Don't miss an amazing range of artists, Star Lab sessions, and special activities for children. The programme features a weaving symposium, arts and crafts workshops, fashion shows, a ‘Seven Sisters Day’ and ‘Seven Brothers Day’, storytelling, Māori language, film and music events.

Banff Mountain Film Festival – CHRISTCHURCH
11 June
Admission: $25
W: www.banffcentre.ca/mountainfestival/
The Banff Mountain Film Festival (BMFF) World Tour brings the excitement, the spectacle, and the richness of the mountains and mountain culture to Christchurch. Featuring spectacular, inspiring, funny, exciting, and thought-provoking mountain films from around the world, the BMFF is an exhilarating exploration of the mountain world from remote landscapes and cultures to adrenaline-packed action sports. Don't miss it!

Queenstown Winter Festival – QUEENSTOWN
24 June to 3 July
Admission: From $39
W: www.winterfestival.co.nz
Already sporting a reputation for being fun, outrageous and one of the top 10 'must-see' festivals in the world, the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival’s 2011 is a 10 day celebration of Queenstown's unique culture and community with street parties, fireworks, international and local acts, jazz, comedy, a Mardi Gras, family fun, Masquerade Ball, an Invitational Slopestyle event and plenty of Mountain Mayhem.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2010

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

Enjoy the autumn weather in NZ and catch some great events around the country.

E Tu Ake Short Films - WELLINGTON
09 April to 10 April 2011
Admission: FREE
W: http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/
Te Papa celebrates the opening weekend of E Tū Ake with a screening of short films by some of New Zealand’s top Māori film makers. See Te Papa’s website for a detailed programme.

Rock Relief for Christchurch - BODEGA, WELLINGTON
09 April to 10 April 2011
Admission $15.00
W: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=152341434827078
This is going to be an epic event. This event will begin at 8pm with the following acts playing for your pleasure: My Dear Watson, Everything Revs, Kobosh, Slur Tones, The Lost Boys, The Outsiders, Olmecha Supreme.

There will also be special performances by Vorn Colgan during the evening.There will be opportunities for everybody at the show to have their photo taken whilst holding up a message for the people of Christchurch. Please note that all proceeds of this event will be going to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal courtesy of The Red Cross. Come and support us supporting Christchurch, there's no better cause.

Amazing Maze - KARAKA, AUCKLAND SOUTH
09 April to 01 May 2011
Admission $12
W: http://www.maze.co.nz/
The Amazing Maze 'n Maize is a giant maze cut into a paddock of maize (animal feed corn). The maze takes on average 45 minutes to complete. There are over 8km of paths, with bridges in the middle to get your bearings or to watch your friends from. Trivia and joke signs are placed throughout the mazes, and visitors can choose to make it a competition or just take a walk in the corn.

Chartfest 2011 - CHRISTCHURCH
14 April 2011
Admission: $15.00
W: http://www.chartfest.co.nz/
Chartfest 2011, Christchurch's NZ Music Month live music extravaganza is set to return on Saturday 14 May at the new location of the CPSA Grounds at CPIT on Madras St.
With the generous support of CPIT, CCC and Smokefree, Chartfest in its fourth year moves in a new direction, with an exciting lineup and range of music related activities. Christchurch’s favourite local music festival presents an exciting array of live shows keeping the tradition of presenting the dynamic energy of the city's hottest emerging acts as well as honouring some of the NZ's most loved artists.

Club Penguin - AUCKLAND
16 April to 01 May 2011
Admission: $33.90
W: http://www.kellytarltons.co.nz/
The inhabitants of Club Penguin waddle into Kelly Tarlton’s this Easter Holidays. Club Penguin’s first event in New Zealand is timed to coincide with Kelly Tarlton’s King Penguin Chick season, where visitors can welcome four super-cute chicks in their chilly crèche from our Snowcat ride and via the big screen. Kelly Tarlton’s will also be running special Life on the Ice talks every day, introducing our real life King and Gentoo Penguins.

Gypsy Travellers Fair - WARKWORTH, AUCKLAND
16 April to 17 April 2011
Admission: FREE
The Gypsy Travellers Fair features: art, crafts, intuitive tarot readings, crystals, incense, ethnic fabrics, henna tattoos, leadlight, paintball hot food and cold drinks, incense burners, belly dancing outfits/ jewellery, ornaments, natural massage oils, hairbraids, sarongs, bouncy castle, the most awesome facepainting, dolls, pet wear, poi, t-shirts, giftware, wokka fires, friendship bracelets, fabulous ladies' wear and much more. So come and enjoy the atmosphere.

New World Tour de Wakatipu - ARROWTOWN, QUEENSTOWN LAKES, OTAGO
23 April 2011
W: www.southerntraverse.com/tourdewakatipu
Mountain bike ride on the trails and tracks of the Wakatipu basin on exclusive course from Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown to Chard Farm Kawarau River. Music, food and wine at the finish line! The course covers 36kms for the recreational course, and 45kms for the full course used by the expert and sport riders.

Turangi Colours Art and Food Festival - TURANGI, LAKE TAUPO, WAIKATO
23 April 2011
Admission: FREE
W: http://www.turangi.org/
Our region inspires creativity! Turangi Colours will celebrate Turangi/Tongariro - our many talented artists, our regional food and a our colourful community. Set in the town centre of Turangi on Easter Saturday, the festival will include art exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations, a stage with a variety of performances, food stalls and entertainment throughout the town centre, and a gala dinner with Maori chef Charles Royal, using foods sourced from the land around us. There will be activities for the kids, including a chance to catch a rainbow trout at the Tongariro Trout Centre Come and we'll have the rare opportunity to offer tours of the underground Rangipo Power Station. Come and discover Turangi's true colours!

Berba Croation Harvest Celebration - AUCKLAND
23 April to 25 April 2011
Admission: Free
W: http://www.soljans.co.nz/
Each year Soljans organise their annual Croatian Harvest Festival based at the winery in Kumeu - either book for lunch and soak up the festival atmosphere, or go out to the winery between 9am and 5.30pm to take part in the many events:

• Daily winery tours at 11am and 1.30pm
• Free daily grape stomping at 2.15pm
• Dalmatian Kolo dance group at 3pm (Sunday) and Croatian "Kralj Tomislav" ensemble 3pm (Monday)
• Live music by Dean Te Paa 12-3pm (Sunday & Monday)

ANZAC Remebered - CHRISTCHURCH
25 April 2011
Admission: FREE
W: http://www.woolstonbrass.org/
Woolston Brass and the New Zealand Army band present a free commemorative concert on ANZAC Day. Full of ceremony, nostalgia and fun, the concert will features songs and music of war years past.

Raw Meat Comedy - THE FRINGE BAR, WELLINGTON
Until 25 April 2011
Admission: $5
Comics, poets, improvisers, musical comedians, all are welcome at the Humorous Arts Trust’s Raw Meat open mic comedy. Comedy gold and comedy coal, each night is a guaranteed gamble. If you’re trying out for the first time, Raw Meat is the best place to start.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2010

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

Road trip on the Dunedin to Brighton coastal road: sea-washed sandstone cliffts, rock arches, and exploring caves.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2010

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.