Spring is in the Air – What's Happening Around Kerikeri?

After a long, wet winter, spring is finally here — and there's plenty happening around Kerikeri and the wider Bay of Islands over the next few months.

The Turner Centre has a particularly busy programme. September brings the Far North Short Film Evening, the Korimako Trio, Australian singer-songwriter Rowena Wise, family magic show Abracadabra and Warewaretia. October keeps things moving with comedian James Nokise, John Rae's Celtic Roots, children's school-holiday shows and workshops, African rhythms from Ozi Ozaa, a Creedence Clearwater tribute and the Kerikeri Theatre Company's ever-popular Rocky Horror Show. November brings the Sweet Caroline Neil Diamond tribute and plenty more.

Spring is also a great time to get out and explore the wider Bay.

Tai Kōtuku Waka Ama brings regional racing to Paihia Beach on 12 September, while Kerikeri has some interesting literary events later in the month, including a memoir-writing workshop and an afternoon with acclaimed New Zealand writers Elizabeth Knox and Lynn Jenner.

Labour Weekend gives us another reason to get out and about. Creative Discoveries will showcase artists and creative spaces around Kerikeri and Northland, while the Forest Healing Festival returns to Earth Village in Kerikeri from 23–26 October with four days centred around nature, music, movement and connection.

And for the gardeners, one of Kerikeri's favourite spring traditions returns on 31 October and 1 November with the Kerikeri Rotary Garden Safari — a chance to wander through some wonderful local gardens that aren't normally open to the public.

Add our weekend markets, cafés, wineries, walks and the simple pleasure of longer evenings, and there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy our part of the world this spring.

After winter, we're certainly ready for it!