The city of Auckland on New Zealand's north island is a fantastic destination for a holiday that combines rich culture, stunning vistas and plenty of opportunity to get active outdoors. If you're planning to visit for your summer holiday, it's worth checking out some of the events that take place here, too. As the largest city in Polynesia, Auckland has a busy events calendar throughout the year, including art exhibitions, craft fairs and cultural occasions. Once you've found suitable flights to Auckland, take a look at what's going on when you visit. If you want to find out more about the city, book a place on a Maritime Heritage Walk, which is set to take place on July 7th and August 4th. You'll start out at Fullers Ferry Terminal and be led along the coastline by a guide, who will explain important events in the city's maritime past. Afterwards, you can take a look round the Maritime Museum. On July 12th, take any children in your group to Howick, where they can enjoy the Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor live event at the historical village here. Little ones can watch traditional trades in action and have a go themselves, learning about which jobs were particularly important in bygone times. Towards the end of July is the unmissable Auckland Art and Craft Fair, which will take place on Saturday July 28th at the Aotea Centre. The event is a place for artists and craftspeople to showcase their wares, which include jewellery, homewares, illustrations, art, fashion and photography. Vendors are handpicked to display their goods at the event, so you can be sure of an eclectic range if you want to pick up some quirky souvenirs or useful items for friends and family back home. Wine connoisseurs will certainly want to attend the next main event taking place in the city - the Hot Red Hawke's Bay Wine Expo. Held at the Viaduct Events Centre on July 31st, the annual occasion sees more than 20 wineries display their produce, with a minimum of 100 wines on show. Learn all about how wine is made and sample some red Hawke's Bay blends along with Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. White wine fans, meanwhile, can taste chardonnays like Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Semillon. If you're a train enthusiast or travelling with children, call in at the North Shore Model Train Show running over August 18th and 19th. The event, held at the North Shore Model Railway Club in Birkenhead, comprises a range of model trains, many of which have realistic noises. Walk around the large scale tracks and admire miniature New Zealand, American and British locomotives as they chuff around the displays. Horticulturalists should make their way to the Kelston Community Centre on Friday August 24th or Saturday 25th to take a look at the blooms on display at the Waitakere Orchid Club Spring Show. The event brings together local and regional orchid growers, as well as the New Zealand Orchid Society, South Auckland Orchid Society, Howick Orchid Society and the New Zealand branch of the Cymbidium Society of America. Admire the flowers and chat with other green-fingered enthusiasts to learn secrets to growing your own perfect orchids back home. Animal lovers, meanwhile, won't want to miss the Auckland Pet & Animal Expo, an annual event thought to be the largest of its kind on New Zealand. Head to the North Shore Events Centre in Wairau Valley on Saturday August 25th and you're guaranteed a fun day out for the whole family. Entertainment and animal demonstrations, along with the chance to cuddle puppies and kittens, will delight any children travelling in your party, and you can pick up some treats for your furry friends. You'll also find experts on hand if you want some advice on all manner of pet-related topics. If you're still in New Zealand by the time September comes around, it's worth making a visit to Pukekohe for the annual arts festival held here. Taking place between September 1st and 9th, the Franklin Arts Festival celebrates the work of artists from the Franklin district and also of those from all over New Zealand. Hundreds of works of art made through a wide range of mediums are put on display at Pukekohe Town Hall and the adjacent New Zealand Steel Gallery, and all are available to buy if something catches your eye. Auckland is a wonderful location for a holiday, all year round. At Netflights, we have a wide range of cheap flights, including flights to Auckland. For affordable travel to great destinations, make us your one and only port of call.
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