Mercury Bay Art Escape is gearing up a notch, with this year's event expanding in more ways than one.
The fourth upper-Coromandel Peninsula arts tour will be held over two weekends (26-28 February and 5-7 March) instead of one weekend.  It will involve 39 artists (22 last year) opening their studios to the public, along with gallery exhibitions and music events.
The tour covers an area from Tairua to Otama Beach, north of Whitianga. 
Participants include nationally recognised painters and a diverse range of other established and emerging painters, printmakers, potters, sculptors, jewelers and fabric artists.
The self-drive arts tour provides a rare chance for people to see artists at work in their own homes and discuss their art with them.  Along the way visitors can enjoy the beauty of The Coromandel.

The Air Safari flies into Whitianga Aerodrome on Tuesday 23rd March 2010, for an overnight stay hosted by the Mercury Bay Aero Club.

The purpose of this special event is to assist Flying New Zealand’s nationwide network of Aero Clubs, to attract new members into sport and recreational flying and lift the profile of Aero Clubs in the community. The Air Safari will start on Tuesday the 23rd March 2010. Departing from Ardmore, the event will weave its way through New Zealand covering 17 airfields, and finishing on 1st April 2010 at Queenstown just in time for the Easter Weekend and Warbirds Over Wanaka.

We’re expecting up to 75 Aircraft to take part in this great adventure with about 230 entrants. The Air Safari 2010 will have an international flavour with pilots from Australia & England as well as great support from New Zealanders. As they wind their way through New Zealand, the Air Safari will be hosted by the local Aero Clubs, the main attraction here is to allow the local districts to showcase their cuisine, tourist attractions and their history. Joining us on the Event is the Life Flight Trust Air Ambulance personnel; they are aiming to increase the awareness to New Zealanders of the work that is done in saving lives nationwide.

Come and meet the pilots and view the many different types of Aircraft from the World War 2 Catalina, to the modern Cessna, Pipers, Lancair and the new generation Ultralight Sport Aircraft as well as Helicopters at the Mercury Bay Aero Club, Whitianga Aerodrome.

Australia’s favourite ladies night is back, with an all new show that will turn up the heat in across New Zealand once again! The Sydney Hotshots will be returning for their biggest and best tour of New Zealand ever - performing 30 shows across 6 weeks.

This years Sydney Hotshots show is their biggest and best yet, and is sure to set hearts racing. The dazzling costumes and professionally choreographed routines will entertain the audience, while the games and fun will ensure everyone has a great night. With music spanning generations, it is a show for women of all ages, and for all occasions. With a mix of performers, ranging from old favourites to all new faces, the show is always changing - audiences will never see the same show twice.

The two hour show is packed with live singing, dance, comedy and even a bit of romance. With all the right ingredients for a great girl’s night out, it’s no wonder that many hens, birthday girls and even divorcees choose to spend their big night with the Hotshots.

Make sure to see the brand new Sydney Hotshots in their Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Tour, performing across New Zealand in 2010! Exclusive Early Bird special - purchase tickets 2 weeks prior to the show (and earlier) and pay just $25 for your ticket. All tickets purchased within 14 days of the show will be $30 each.

“Where creative and active minds go wild”

A 3 day children’s festival, for children aged between 2 - 12 years, that offers a myriad of activities, crafts, live entertainment and sports all under the one roof. Just 4 Kids provides alternative and affordable options for children during their holidays, while also providing options that may not be readily available within their normal lifestyle.

With a strong emphasis on child parent interaction, Just 4 Kids aims to also educate parents on healthy eating and the importance of exercise for children.

Pure indulgence!

A weekend long celebration of Coromandel seafood and cuisine.

Tickets go on sale 01 May for the festival marquee which will be located on the Marina Reserve between 10am and 5pm Saturday 28th August.

Over 60 food and wine stalls, cooking demos, loads of competitions and great entertainment! On Friday and Saturday nights Whitianga’s restaurants and café’s will be cooking up a storm and hosting some great entertainment too.

Whitianga Scallop Festival - a weekend long celebration of Coromandel seafood and cuisine.