Porirua accommodation from NZ$118

The biggest event of the year in Porirua is the Festival of the Elements, on February 6 (Waitangi Day). The festival celebrates the region's cultural diversity with live music and performances, which are always very popular. After the festival, if you still want to learn more about the town's cultural heritage, the Pataka Museum of Arts and Cultures displays a significant collection of Maori and Pacific Island art, as well as history exhibits.

If you're keen to head out into the great outdoors, Porirua offers some real treats. At Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, one of the last battle sites of the Maori Wars, there are six walking trails you can tackle, with various degrees of difficulty. There are also three mountain bike trails you can take through the park. If you're after a bit more of a challenge, have a go at the high and low ropes courses at Adrenalin Forest. O, get your feet wet and try windsurfing, waterskiing and jet skiing at Porirua Harbour. Golfers will also be pleased with the three golf courses in town to choose from.

Shopping addicts won't be disappointed in Porirua. There's the North City Shopping City; MegaCentre; and plenty of small shopping complexes and strips around town. There's also the Porirua Saturday Market, where you can pick up local produce and sit down for a yummy international meal.

You can easily get around Porirua by train or bus and it's just as easy to get to the Wellington CBD and the airport, which is less than 30km away. Check out these cheap flights to Wellington for a great deal to go with your Porirua accommodation.