There's no denying it now - the weather's cooling down, the sun is off gracing warmer climes and winter is well and truly on its way. But as May's colder days and nights approach there's plenty to keep you occupied.

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Great Coromandel Arts Tour
May 12-21, Coromandel

Artists of all ages and stages have long been attracted to the Coromandel region for its beauty and tranquillity. The nine day Great Coromandel Arts Tour gives visitors the opportunity to see the area's artists at work and purchase direct from the studio.

Eighteen local artists have been confirmed and are a combination of established and emerging talent, producing a mix of pottery, sculpture, clothing, wood carving, textiles, painting, ironwork and printmaking.

Bernard Fanning On Tour
4 May - Indigo Bar, Wellington
5 May - The Studio, Auckland

Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning embarks on his first solo tour of New Zealand this month on the back of his very successful debut solo album, Tea & Sympathy. The album pays tribute to his love of country music and features the single Wish You Well which topped the annual Triple J Hottest 100 countdown earlier this year.

Danny Bhoy On Tour
12 to 25 May, nationwide

Scottish comedian Danny Bhoy returns to our shores this month after an extremely successful 2005 tour. He sold out his debut season in Auckland in 2004 and his North Island tour in 2005, where he set a new record for the most ticket sold in one day at the New Zealand Comedy Festival.

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Warbirds: Songs And Stories Of World War II
Nationwide through May

Take a step back in time to enjoy the musical sights and sounds of the forties with this very unique stage show. Singing trio Janeene Toner, Adrienne Fletcher and Nicole Taylor interpret the classic sounds of famous songstresses like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Very Lynn, Doris Day and Judy Garland.

Tour dates are throughout the country in May, and tickets available through Ticketek.

2006 New Zealand International Comedy Festival
Nationwide through May

Kicking off in Auckland on May 12 and Wellington on May 15, this year's comedy festival is guaranteed to have you in stitches throughout the dark autumn nights. The festival incorporates Danny Bohy's nationwide tour and local comedians Ewan Gilmour and Rhys Darby- as well as international visitors like David O'Doherty, Dom Irrera, and Jimeoin.

Simple Minds
15 May, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
17 May, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland

Simple Minds have come a long way in 25 years and have sold around 30 million albums. They're back in New Zealand with a new album in tow on their 2006 Black And White Tour, and a reputation as an excellent touring act.

Hot Red Hawke's Bay
16-18 May - Auckland, Wellington And Christchurch

For the first time this year this previously trade-only expo has opened to the public, giving everyone the chance to try the Hawke's Bay region's amazing red wines. The annual event offers a unique opportunity to savour the very best examples of wine from a region recognised as the red wine capital of the country.

Tickets available from Ticketek