THE CAPITAL IS CALLING

Photograph: Vanessa Rushton

Welly puts the rest of the country to task when it comes to spectacular events over the summer months. It’s the place you want to be for all things food, music, art, and so much more – the region is creative, thriving, and full of electric good vibes. The capital is calling. Now, are you going to answer?

The most illuminating and intriguing art exhibit to hit Wellington! Forget tiptoeing through silent galleries and imagine a whole new way of interacting with art. Vincent van Gogh’s masterpieces come alive; more than 3,000 images, including his works The Starry Night and Sunflowers, all projected onto shipping containers at an enormous eight metre-high scale and synchronised to a powerful classical score. Until 30 October | wellingtonnz.com BEERVANA Beer is no longer only a backyard BBQ brew! With brews from Whangarei to Invercargill, including lemongrass, lychees, and ‘Brettanomyces’ (Google it), it’s all brought together in one big beer hug, right in Wellington. From outrageous brewery displays to karaoke vans, mind-bending festival beers to crayfish cheese rolls, it’s a veritable wonderland for beer lovers! Come ride the frothy wave. 20–21 November | beervana.co.nz

Underling, Gillian Saunders, New Zealand

TOAST MARTINBOROUGH Best Sunday ever! Toast is the legendary Wairarapa wine festival across multiple vineyards offering wonderful wine, food, and music choices throughout the day. For the uninitiated, you simply select which vineyards you’d like to visit, hop on a shuttle or walk. Our tip: there’s plenty of travel options if you plan on sticking to Wellington accommodation. 15 November | toastmartinborough.co.nz

WELLINGTON JAZZ FESTIVAL Wellington Jazz Festival is a true celebration of the sounds and talents of Aotearoa as worldclass music fills bars and eateries across the capital. The five-day festival presents fresh new music from the likes of Taite Music Prizewinning project Avantdale Bowling Club, as well as commissions from four talented Kiwi composers premiering new jazz works. 18–22 November | jazzfestival.nz WELLINGTON ON A PLATE There’s a seat for you at New Zealand’s biggest culinary celebration this October. From Kāpiti to the Wairarapa, Visa Wellington On a Plate has the best burgers, cocktails, dining and events on offer. Our picks this year are 1154 Pastaria’s ‘Mac N’ Steeze’ and Pickle & Pie’s ‘Denzien Double Double’. Eat, drink and be Welly. 1–31 October | visawoap.com

If you’re planning a summer trip to the capital, make sure you check out World of WearableArt – Up Close at Te Papa. This is your chance to see every detail of some of the most breath-taking garments from this iconic event. Explore the limitless creativity and jawdropping detail of the outfits and learn the unique stories behind the designs. From 2 December | worldofwearableart.com

NOT TO BE MISSED Coffee at Customs, on Ghuznee | The eclectic goods at Brown & Co. | Little Penang’s for Mi Goreng

Just 30 minutes south of Christchurch is the diverse district of Selwyn. As one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing areas, there’s plenty of reasons as to why so many are attracted to this part of God’s Own. From farmland to rivers, to mountains and lakes, this unique part of Canterbury is close enough to take a day trip to. Enjoy a unique glamping experience or soak up some local hospitality at a luxury high country lodge. Avenues takes you there and gives you a taster of what stunning Selwyn has to offer.

THE DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL Just after Arthur’s Pass Village, you’ll find a remarkable waterfall – the Devil’s Punchbowl. Starting the walk, follow the footbridge across the Bealey River. The next bridge, over Devil’s Punchbowl Creek, has a good view of the waterfall. Take a fresh breath of air and wander through beech forest with fantails and kea, before climbing up a series of steps (around 150m) to a viewing platform at the base of the waterfall. LODGE LIKE ROYALTY Are you fancying a weekend away in luxury? Selwyn is awash with accommodation offering catering to the finer things that make a stay memorable. At the base of the Southern Alps, Grasmere lodge provides a much-needed dose of peace and serenity. With a range of options including a central lodge building built in 1858 and a number of other villas, you’re ensured a comfortable stay in majestic surroundings.

’LAXING IN LINCOLN Take a quick 25-minute drive to Lincoln. Not only is it the home of the oldest agricultural university in the Southern Hemisphere, Lincoln University, it is also an excellent spot for a day trip. Stop for a craft beer and woodfired pizza at The Laboratory and soak up some culture at its in-house cinema, The Apollo.

One of the country’s most recognisable spots, Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill, was made internationally iconic when it featured in the film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. The geological marvel comprises limestone faces – go for a stroll through its rugged splendour, or if climbing is your scene, there’s plenty of nearby spots.

FOR THE LOVE OF ART Selwyn has inspired some of New Zealand’s foremost artists. Art lovers will enjoy the Te Huanui Art Gallery in Darfield which showcases the talent of the region’s local artists. Take a visit to Cass, the old train station and foothills that inspired artists such as Rita Angus, William Sutton, and Louise Henderson.

MEET US IN THE COUNTRY To celebrate spring in Selwyn, Meet us in the Country showcases the best of the best in the region. There will be farm experiences and tours, farmers markets, fetes, and Courtenay Show; cooking lessons with locally sourced produce, club open days, garden tours, and so much more. The perfect opportunity to connect and talk with those who make the country their home.

NOT TO BE MISSED A visit to Broadfield Gardens | A vino at Melton Estate | A farm tour at Benlea