Wētā, Tuna and Kārearea are mates of Gary the Glowworm, and are traveling to attend his rave in the cave birthday party.

The friends face a number of trials on the road, and learn that despite their differences, they can achieve their goals by working together!

‘Land of the Long Long Drive’ is a story that’s been “loved by… audience[s] from tots to grandparents,” says Deborah Rea from Theatreview.

The tale for Kiwi kids features iconic New Zealand creatures, landscapes and fresh waiata by NZ singer-songwriter Benny Tipene.

Winner of the three-to-eight-year-old section of Playmarket’s Plays for the Young Competition, ‘Land of the Long Long Drive’ brings you a laugh-out-loud, inspiring adventure of three unlikely heroes.

This show jumps into life with beautiful costumes from Gridley by Victoria, who is a costumier for the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and support from Capital E National Theatre for Children through their Creative Residency programme.

This show for the whole family is the third tour from the 2024 stable of touring artists with Arts On Tour NZ. And it will be a long long drive of more than 6000km for the cast and crew of the company.

‘Land of the Long Drive’ is coming to 16th Ave Theatre on Sunday, April 7, from 2pm-3pm. Tickets cost $20 each, or $50 for a family of four.

For more information and tickets, visit: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/land-of-the-long-long-drive/tauranga