03 February 2012

Waitangi Day - school closed on Monday 6 Feb

Jambalaya 2008.
Iconic NZ reggae band, Katchafire at Jambalaya 2008
Photo by elastic design
Languages International is closed on Monday 6 February for Waitangi Day

If you are in Auckland on Monday and like reggae music, check out the Waitangi Day family celebrations in Manukau.  (Note, it is an alcohol and smoke-free event.) Renowned NZ reggae band, Katchafire will be playing.  If you're a reggae fan, make sure you hear them play live at least once while you're in NZ.

If you are in Christchurch, see what's on here.

Enjoy your long weekend, and we'll see you on Tuesday!

Chinese Lantern Festival: Don't miss it! This weekend in Auckland & next weekend in Christchurch

UPDATE:  Here are some photos from the 2012 Lantern Festival in Albert Park.

Auckland Lantern Festival 2011
Auckland Lantern Festival 2011 by NUkiwi
Auckland 
When:  this weekend
Friday - Sunday 3, 4 and 5 Feb, 5:00pm – 10:30pm
Where:   Albert Park, Auckland CBD (beside Languages International
Admission: Free  
More information


Christchurch
When:  next weekend
Saturday and Sunday 11 & 12 Feb, 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Where:   Hagley Park North, Christchurch City
Admission: Free  
More information

There'll be:
* huge, colourful lanterns
* Chinese food
* music, dance and martial arts



Here are some photos' of last year's Lantern Festivals to give you an idea of what to expect.
















31 January 2012

Kite Day at New Brighton beach in Christchurch

The annual Tip Top Kite Day at New Brighton beach in Christchurch was held on Saturday.  Each year thousands of people attend this event.
Colourful sky at New Brighton beach in Christchurch


Kite Day at New Brighton beach in Christchurch
See more photos of Kite Day on Facebook.

26 January 2012

New & Free - Download the Christchurch & Canterbury chapter from the upcoming edition of Lonely Planet's NZ guidebook

Download Lonely Planet’s new Christchurch & Canterbury guide free. This chapter was researched in December 2011, and it will be included in the 16th edition of the NZ guidebook, to be published in September this year. However, you can download it now for free and get up-to-date information on what to do and where to eat, sleep and party in Christchurch and Canterbury.

Download your free Lonely Planet Christchurch & Canterbury guide here.

Cashel Mall in Christchurch

25 January 2012

Christchurch holds 1st annual New Zealand Sandcastle Competition

This weekend the 1st annual New Zealand Sandcastle Competition was held at New Brighton beach in Christchurch.  32 teams competed.  Most of the teams were from New Zealand, but 2 of the teams were from the USA.  The event was very popular. 12,000 people came to see the castles.

Sandcastle Competition



Christchurch Sandcastle CompetitionChristchurch Sandcastle Competition

Christchurch Sandcastle Competition


See more photos in the slideshow below.