artworks and prints, handmade journals, jewellery, vintage clothing, home wares, plants, and plenty of random treasures. In addition there will be a dress up box for small and big kids alike, retro board games to play, portrait artists, and more surprises! Free entry. Location: Thistle Hall (above the gallery), 293 Cuba Street. → Sat 2 & Sun 3 July, 10am-6pm: Red to the Black Christchurch Retail Expo Hands Up Wellington has organised 70 amazing Christchurch businesses to come to Wellington to set up shop at the TSB Bank Arena. From boutiques to breweries to live entertainment, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. For more information see www.handsupwellington.co.nz . Tickets: $5. Location: TSB Bank Arena, Queens Wharf. → Sat 9 July, 9:30am – 12:30pm: Made in Petone The beautiful historic Sacred Heart Parish Hall will open its doors for this annual art and craft market, where popular artists and crafters will be showcasing their work. Food, hot drinks, a wonderful raffle, and cool activities for the kids will make this a heart warming event. Free entry. Location: Sacred Heart School, 33 Britannia St, Petone NOTE: Other options for browsing are the many second hand shops around Wellington, where you can pick up pre-loved clothes, books, furniture and other items at bargain prices. Head to Cuba Street, Karori and Petone for the best selection.
3. EXPLORE The Wellington region has lots more to offer than the CBD and inner-city suburbs, so use your holiday time to explore some of the areas you haven’t seen yet. A great way to do this is by hopping on a train and heading to Lower & Upper Hutt, to the towns along the Kapiti Coast or to the Wairarapa region with its picturesque villages. → A Day Rover ticket ($13) is available for all-day train travel (during off peak times, after 9.00am weekdays, all day on weekends and Public Holidays) on the services between Wellington, Waikanae, Upper Hutt and Johnsonville. A Group Rover costs only $35 for 4 people so get your friends along for a wonderful daytrip!
→ A Wairarapa Day Excursion Ticket ($18) gets you a same-day return fare for travel between Wellington and the Wairarapa (Featherston, Carterton, Masterton, etc). Wairarapa Group Excursion tickets cost $50 for up to four people – another great bargain!
For more info, check the TranzMetro website: http://www.tranzmetro.co.nz/Fares.aspx
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