What's on this summer

Thousands of car enthusiasts descend upon Ellerslie Racecourse every year to enjoy the country’s biggest line up of classic cars – and this summer is no exception.

First established in 1972, the Classic Cover Ellerslie Car Show now includes over 80 car clubs with the biggest display of different cars in the country, from early 1920s vintage vehicles through to the latest modern models and high-performance supercars. The event is renowned for the diversity of cars on show – from British, European and American marques through to Japanese, Australian and even sometimes New Zealand-made cars.

Alongside Concours cars and a number of events, many car clubs will enter the best Club Display competition to be judged on the day – creating an incredible display of car marques from around the globe. With the theme for this year being Dress to Impress, there is sure to be plenty to inspire petrolheads.

Other competitions include the Intermarque concours d’elegance, a classic car competition judged to international standards, and a new competition for Concours Standard Modified vehicles. Grab a ticket and head along to watch the judging from 10am.

Food and drink will be available or attendees are welcome to bring picnics.  

The Classic Cover Ellerslie Car Show & Concours d’Elegance is on Sunday February 11. For tickets and more information including directions and parking, visit www.concours.org.nz

Still not convinced? Just listen to what Mayor of Wellington Tory Whanau has to say: “Wellington is world-famous for its work on blockbuster films, and we are fiercely proud of our city being a UNESCO City of Film. We are definitely primed and ready to welcome more than 175,000 people who are expected to flock to Marvel: Earth's Mightiest Exhibition. Bring it on.”

Whether you're a die-hard Marvel fan, curious to learn more about the world of superheroes, or just keen to do something different, Marvel: Earth's Mightiest Exhibition is an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Marvel: Earth's Mightiest Exhibition|Te Whakaaturanga Mārohirohi o Te Ao is a joint production from Semmel Exhibitions and Marvel, taking place at Tākina Wellington Exhibition and Events Centre from December 13. 

AA Directions is giving away a Wellington City prize, including accommodation and tickets to the Marvel exhibition. Enter here!

Coromandel is offering a jam-packed festival of culture, food and entertainment over Auckland Anniversary Weekend. Set in Whitianga town and Taylor’s Mistake Reserve, BayJam will be a celebration of the area’s artisanal food producers, local musicians and businesses.

The live music line-up will include Whitianga’s own Stu Pedley and Leo Magri of Let’s Go Descarrego, who draw inspiration from folk storytelling, rhythm and blues, Brazilian percussion, and New Orleans sound. A headline act on the buskers’ stage will be FĒI LÍN aka Yazmin Todd, an indie folk and jazz singer songwriter. Musicians will also be serving up melodies at various cafes and bars during this family-friendly event.

On the food front, you’ll find a wide array of options from Coromandel’s food producers, including plenty of kaimoana and plant-based food and ice-cream. Festivalgoers will also be able to browse stalls with locally produced products, including nuts, chilli sauces, sea-salt and honey.

BayJam will be held at Whitianga town and Taylor’s Mistake Reserve on Sunday January 28 2024. For more information visit www.whitianga.co.nz  

In February, wine lovers and foodies alike will be heading to Renwick, the heart of Marlborough's wine country, to celebrate all there is to love about Marlborough’s wine, people, food and landscapes. This year's Marlborough Wine and Food Festival – it’s 37^th year – promises to be a feast for the senses, with top Marlborough winemakers showcasing their best whites, reds, rosés, and sparkling wines.

In addition to wine, there will be plenty of delicious food to sample, from gourmet street food to local Marlborough produce, including Michelin-star Kiwi chef Matt Lambert hosting seafood-focused demonstrations in the culinary pavilion. Vibes will be kept high with a full day of live music from high-profile artists including Drax Project, Sons of Zion and AACACIA.

Whether you're a vino connoisseur or simply enjoy a good glass of wine and a bite to eat, the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival is a must-do event.

Take advantage of the free shuttle bus service from Blenheim – or if you're driving, allow plenty of time to get to the festival and make sure to arrange your transport home in advance.

The Marlborough Wine and Food Festival is on Saturday February 10 2024. To purchase tickets, register for cooking masterclasses or book transport, head to www.marlboroughwinefestival.com

Nothing says Kiwi summer like a good old-fashioned barbecue. This year is a chance to embrace your inner carnivore at Meatstock Hamilton, New Zealand's biggest barbecue event.

The two-day festival of live music and meat returns to Mystery Creek Events Centre in February.

You'll be treated to delicious offerings from barbecue pit-masters serving up delicacies from around the world, including Texan, Filipino and Brazilian cuisine, alongside plenty of homegrown vendors.

There’s plenty to see and do: head over to the competition area to watch barbecue teams from across the country battle it out at the Heat Beads New Zealand Barbecue Wars, witness butchers going head-to-head, check out the customised cars and trucks in the Knuckle Draggers Rod + Custom Rumble, or even get involved in the ‘Beard and Mo’ competition.

On the music stage you'll find a line-up of music legends including Shihad, Katchafire, The Black Seeds, Casey Barnes, Kasey Bell and Tami Nielson.

In addition to the food and music, there will also be a 30+ brand expo where you can pick up everything you need to kit out your own BBQ set, including utensils, smokers and all the hot sauces your heart could possibly desire.

Meatstock is on from February 24-26. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.meatstock.com.au/hamilton

Want a dose of contemporary art and culture? Look no further than the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth. This summer, the gallery is offering a diverse range of exhibitions from New Zealand and international artists.

Until February 11, visit Te Hau Whakatonu: A Series of Never-Ending Beginnings. The first dedicated showcase of Māori art from the Govett-Brewster collection, this exhibition includes over 900 artworks by 22 Māori artists, spanning more than 50 years of practice.

Other exhibitions include The Unfurling, a group exhibition of work by New Zealand and international artists that explores the themes of identity and gender; Shona Rapira Davies: Ko Te Kihikihi Taku Ingoa, a memorial to the sacrifice made by the children and people of Parihaka; and George Watson’s new commission for the Gallery’s street-front Open Window.

In addition to its exhibitions, the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery also offers a range of public programmes, including talks, workshops and events. This summer including the Whaiwhakaaro speakers’ series, where guests are invited to join Ngāneko Eriwata and Vallance Wrathall as they walk through Te Hau Whakatonu, activating kōrero between three works of their choosing.

For more information, including current exhibitions and events, visit www.govettbrewster.com

First launched in 1990 by Hokitika local and passionate wild-foodie Claire Bryant, the festival is a now a stalwart on the West Coast scene, beloved by locals and tourists alike. 

Alongside the grub, you’ll be kept entertained with music from Kiwi artists and creativity on display in the ‘Feral Fashion’ show.

Hokitika Wildfoods Festival is on March 9 2024. Head to www.wildfoods.co.nz for tickets and more information.