Four of us gals – now quite the opera connoisseurs – frocked up for the occasion.  Cavalleria Rusticana (“Cav”) kicked off the night, a short and sweet yet terribly tragic opera by Mascagni. With strong vocal performances from both female and male leads, the depth and power in their voices sent shivers down our spines.  After the interval we found ourselves seamlessly heading into Pagliacci (“Pag”).  With gorgeous vocal melodies, expressive musical interludes, intense duets and humour to have the audience laughing, Pag certainly delivers.

Let’s spare a thought for the musos in the pit.  Compared to Xerxes (our last opera outing), this orchestra featured instruments even the uninitiated would recognise.  The overtures (that’s the music introduction at the start) didn’t really give too much of a heads-up about the jilted lovers and a-killin’ to come, but by the end of each opera our orchestral chums had really had a work-out.  And the off-stage chorus  – off-stage, so they get none of the glory but still have to sit through all the rehearsals – deserve some double fist pumps as their unaccompanied harmonies were enchanting.

We do love the opera, and we love Auckland for dishing up such a great cultural opportunity during RWC 2011. If you haven’t “done” opera before then here’s a couple of quick tips for the “uncultured” (seasoned professionals right here):

1. Read the synopses to avoid confusion – definitely helps you keep up with what’s happening
2. Someone will probably die – it’s opera, it’s dramatic and there’s generally a vengeful twist at the end
3. Get there in plenty of time so that you can enjoy a glass of bubbles beforehand
4. If you’re under 25 it only costs you $25!!

Part of the REAL New Zealand Festival, for more events click here.

If you want to escape the city for a relaxing day out without having to drive for hours on end then Manukau Heads needs to be bumped to the top of your ‘must visit’ list.  For a place with such rich history, character and natural beauty it is surprisingly still a hidden gem to many Aucklanders.

The view as you drive into the Awhitu/Manukau Heads area is truly breath-taking.  The Manukau Heads Lighthouse sits proudly on the very tip of the Awhitu Peninsula and on a fine day if you look south you can see miles of the Tasman Sea, sometimes as far down as Mt Taranaki.  Then straight across from the lighthouse are the stunning Waitakere Ranges and the last stretch of Whatipu Beach.

On arrival at the lighthouse we met with Manukau Heads Lighthouse Trust members Sue and Paul Dixon.  Paul (a local author, historian and member of the Light House Trust) takes members of the public on guided tours of the light house and it’s grounds.  This lighthouse is particularly special as it’s one of only a few in New Zealand you can actually climb to the top of.

The gates to the lighthouse are open between 9-5pm daily and a donation is greatly appreciated to ensure the lighthouse is around for many years to come.  If a tour is not your thing then there’s plenty of signage around for you to learn all about the rich history of the region.

The Awhitu Peninsula is a stunning spot for a short, big-city break and we returned to the big smoke vowing to be back soon –this time with the camera!

Lorrin and Julia work in the Marketing team at Auckland Tourism

On arrival our guide (Poihipi) welcomed us with a cup of tea and an introduction to his whenua (land) and the origins of his tribe before we boarded our bikes and set off for the hills.

Down to the marae, up the mountain and through the crops with Poihipi revealing the heritage and telling tales of the land along the way. There’s something about riding a bike in the open countryside that inspires a sense of calm and freedom – much appreciated by our group of city-dwellers!

We continued the tour passing farms, eventually coming to the forest. Much to our delight, this involved a web of steep slopes and deep puddles… who knew a slog through the mud could be this much fun!

After almost an hour of whipping around the trees we returned to base on a high, completely oblivious to the layer of mud and dust across our cheeks.

So yes, an interesting combo is exactly what we got – authentic culture, beautiful landscapes and a good dose of adventure. Definitely worth the 45 minute drive from Downtown Auckland!

Diane is the Rugby World Cup Media Manager at Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development. For more information visit www.riverlandadventures.co.nz

Prince was a very knowledgeable and charismatic character. He started the tour with a Maori welcome and then invited us to offer a return welcome to him and also say a few words about what we would hope to learn and gain from his tour. He then went on to sing to us!

We started the tour at the Auckland War Memorial which is situated in front of the Auckland Museum and then proceeded to walk round the grounds with Prince as he told us the history of his tribe, Ngati Whatua, and his ancestors. His stories and the information he gave to us were fascinating and we were able to ask questions and have conversations as we went round.

Nearly two hours went by in a flash. It was hard to believe that it was finished, as we had been totally absorbed in what we were hearing. We are so glad that we did this tour. We would have missed out on so much otherwise. We felt as though we were learning about “the real New Zealand” and not just a tourist version. I would recommend this tour to everyone.

Brenda from the UK joined the Tamaki Hikoi tour whilst on holiday in Auckland.

To find out more about Tamaki Hikoi click here »

As we pulled into the wharf the first thing we noticed was the ‘five o’clock shadow’ look that the island had. This is thanks to the 450,000 native trees that have been planted recently.

Rotoroa Island is the newest addition to the family of publicly accessible islands in the Hauraki Gulf. The island is an exciting new heritage, conservation and art destination for the people of New Zealand. We quickly discovered that it’s got great little beaches, bbq facilities and an amazing walk to the summit of the hill for spectacular views over the Hauraki Gulf. Before our day was done I decided that this little island will become a favourite destination for me and mine.

After stretching our legs we checked-out the impressive Exhibition Centre in Home Bay. Beautifully designed, the displays of historic photos and stories were a peek into the colourful history of the island as a treatment centre for ‘inebriates’. A scattering of buildings from the island’s life as a treatment centre are still there – the chapel, the jail, a schoolhouse and a couple of houses. I have to admit, I was a little curious about the jail!

I was pleased to learn that shortly there’ll be accommodation on the island. Two days of books, wine, bbq, friends and family with no vehicle noise – what more could you want for a perfect summer weekend? Though I did notice there were no shops, so make sure you pack your food – it’s a long swim to the nearest Four Square!
They say first impressions last. We definitely left Rotoroa with a positive impression and a promise to return….and soon!

360 Discovery offer return ferry trips to Rotoroa Island. The trip takes one hour from downtown Auckland. Click here for more information.

Lisa is the Marketing Executive at Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development.

Henry and his many personalities, gives you a little insight into his simple life of tapping away a type writer and listening to the vinyl record player but his fear of the outside world pushes imaginative boundaries to reveal another world inside his apartment. He falls in love with Luna, a paper doll that is expertly puppeteered. Luna draws the audience in with emotion driving you to experience her adventure, with Henry tailing along too. Paper Sky was an enchanting play with a slight darkness to it, but delivered with such skill.

A great deal of time and creativity has been exerted into this very well thought-out production Red Leap Theatre team. Look out for other Red Leap Theatre work at the next festival.

The Auckland Arts Festival continues until the 20th of March, so see what else is on here.

Laura is the Sustainability Adviser & Event Ready Project Manager at Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development.

“Gosh, what a wonderful space” said the lady next to me as she sat down. And it really is. There could be no better venue in Auckland for seeing the incredible Manganiyar Seduction than the Civic Theatre – Rajasthani music in a theatre packed with Indian-inspired motifs. And incense. Mmmmm. (And so close to the Festival Garden! MMMMM!)

The Manganiyar’s are musicians from India; and the show starts with a solo musician and culminates with 37 performers together creating an astonishing sound that I had never heard before. Each musician sits encased in their own velvet-curtained cubicle, playing instruments I have never seen and singing in scales that I cannot describe. Even simply sitting they provided a great visual feast with their white tunics and brightly coloured headpieces, and their emphatic gestures along with each voice made me realise, even though I didn’t understand a word, that it was pretty emotional stuff they were telling us.

The “conductor” would put any symphonic orchestral leader to shame, as he danced around the stage and supported the musicians with castanet-style percussion. I want to go dancing with him at an Indian wedding – and with the whooping ladies in saris at the end of my row.

If you are intrigued by India or just what to treat your ears to some new sounds, you’ll love The Manganiyar Seduction – there are only three shows and as one has already passed by you’ll need to be quick.

The Auckland Arts Festival continues until the 20th of March, so see what else is on here.

Susan is the Events Manager at Tourism Auckland.

Mary went along on the weekend and wrote a blog about how the day went.

You read the rest of Mary’s Pasifika blog here.

Part of Auckland Fringe 2011 (which goes until the 13th), the show itself was an intense hour of drumming, both from the performers and audience members. The highlight of the night had to be the solo by the “drum master” and the low point was probably my complete inability to keep to the beat.

If you’re thinking of heading along, i’d definitely recommented the Drumania show, it’s on until Sunday and you can book tickets or find out what other shows are on at the Fringe 2011 website.

- Hayden

Taylor Mac performs this cabaret style show formed loosely around a comic conversation filled with heartening anecdotes, political narrative and Vocal brilliance. In an attempt to involve the audience Mac encourages the ‘participants’ of the theatre to explore new worlds, concepts and the possibility that the world may one day actually come to an end. Including  Bowie classics such as ‘Starman’, ‘Suffragette City’, and ‘Lady Stardust’ combined with Tiny Tim numbers including the priceless ‘I’ve never seen a straight banana’ Macs vocal talent and wow factor provided the making of a performance both theatrical and surprisingly enjoyable.

Encoring with an audience participation number – we were on our feet embarrassing ourselves with ridiculous mime actions. Failing at upstaging this magnificent drag queen, Taylor Mac swapped places with the pianist (Lance Horne) to end with an acoustic version of Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ alluding to the separation, technology creates between the audience and the stage, leaving the crowd transformed by a night of Sequins, Glitter and the odd sparkle!