The spray-free lavender farm will be hosting another of its ‘Pick Your Own’ [PYO] lavender events this weekend.
The annual event, which is held every year in January, allows people to spend a few hours in the sunshine picking their own bunches of lavender. Punters are also encouraged to take a picnic and rug, and take the opportunity to sit and relax in the lavender field.
There’s also an onsite lavender shop, ‘The Big Box of Lavender’ that stocks Lavender Abbey products and also sells its multi-award winning 100 per cent pure lavender essential oil. The PYO days will be this weekend and throughout January.
Tomorrow and Sunday, 10am to 3pm. Lavender Abbey, 351 Dalefield Rd, Carterton.
Party with The Noodles
Wellington’s “most popular professional cover band”, The Noodles, are coming over the hill to help ring in the New Year at The White Swan in Greytown.
They will be playing from 9pm till just after midnight. The event is free but because past years have seen The White Swan packed to the brim, people will need to get in early to celebrate the new year in style. The full White Swan menu will be available until 8pm when eating options change to a shared plate menu.
Sunday night – The Noodles start at 9pm but The White Swan will be open all day. .
Family picnic day
Once the New Year celebrations are over and done with, pop down to the Cobblestones Museum family picnic day. Entry is by koha. There will be outdoor games, as well as historical buildings and exhibits to look at. Take your own picnic and something to sit on to celebrate the first day of the new year with the community. There will also be tea and coffee with light refreshments available by cash only.
Monday, January 1, 10am to 3pm. Cobblestones Museum, 169 Main St, Greytown.
Star gazing
Ranui Essentials is hosting a stargazing event in its lavender field on Monday, January 1, giving attendees the opportunity to watch the sunset, admire the night sky, and pick some lavender.
Astronomy guides from Under The Stars will be onsite to help people navigate the Martinborough night sky. Guests should take a torch, blankets, and an evening picnic.
Tickets for the event can be bought through ranuiessentials.co.nz/pages/events. Entry is $20 per adult, kids up to 17 are free.
Monday, January 1, 8.30pm to 10.30pm. Ranui Essentials, 284c Dry River Rd, Martinborough.
Racing this time
The first Tauherenīkau Race Day of the year will be held on Tuesday, January 2, with harness racing starting from 11am. The day will be a family-friendly event with live music, bouncy castles, miniature train rides, and tug of war alongside the racing events. Adults are $20, and kids are free.
Tuesday, January 2, first races from 11am. Tauherenikau Racecourse.