Travel while seated in your chair

Many are heading to the beach for the holiday weekend, encouraged by a settled weather forecast, with accommodation booked out across the region. But there is still plenty on for people looking for other options.

Mini Festival

Featherston Booktown features two events today. In an event called ‘Armchair Travel’, two writers will talk about their different experiences. This morning Rick Gekoski will share stories of his years working in the rare book trade. In discussion with writer and broadcaster Noelle Mccarthy, Gekoski will discuss people he’s met, books he’s discovered, read and written, and much more. Having worked with the likes of Graham Greene, Gekoski is known as an accomplished raconteur. Later this afternoon, John Hellemans will describe his cycling adventures during the Tour Aotearoa trip in 2018. He wrote about the journey in ‘A Biker’s Tale’. Each day of the 3000km ride from Cape Reinga to Bluff, he recorded the happenings on his laptop. The book has been described as ‘a must-read for casual and serious bikers alike’. Today, the two onehour sessions are at 11am and 2pm at Anzac Hall at 62 Bell St in Featherston. Tickets are $25.

• More information is at eventfinda.co.nz

Martinborough Community Market

A market is on at Martinborough Town Hall all three days of the holiday weekend. This is an opportunity to buy locally made or sourced crafts, clothes, jewellery, candles, secondhand treasures, linen, cushions and more. It’s a good chance to shop for Christmas, buy gifts or indulge. Face-masks are required [but are also available to buy onsite]. The event is on today until Monday at 8 Texas St, Martinborough [daytime only]. Free admission.

Tora Coastal Walk

Due to covid-related cancellations, this popular and generally fully booked walk now has late spots available over the next few months. Open through the summer months, this iconic three-day coastal walk along the wild south coast is a well-known adventure. One of the first private walks in New Zealand, the Tora Coastal Walk includes three nights’ accommodation, luggage transport and hospitality. A calendar and an online booking option is available. The minimum booking is for two people.

• More information is at toracoastalwalk.nz/ booking-availability