Ōamaru families are invited along on a 6000km road-trip, with the latest Arts on Tour NZ offering coming to the Opera House in time for the school holidays.

In Land of the Long Long Drive, Gary the Glow-worm is having a rave in a cave for his birthday, and his mates Wēta, Tuna and Kārearea are determined to get there.

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

The show is culmination of Kiwi talent, and brought to life through beautiful costuming from Royal New Zealand Ballet costumier Gridley by Victoria, and new waiata written by singer-songwriter Benny Tipene, with support from Capital E National Theatre for Children through their Creative Residency programme.

Iconic New Zealand creatures and landscapes also have starring roles in this play which was named winner of the 3-8 year old section of Playmarket’s Plays for the Young Competition, but will entertain people of all ages.

Land of the Long Long Drive brings you a laugh out loud, inspiring adventure of three unlikely heroes.

One reviewer described the script by Catriona Tipene Rann and Ryan Cundy as “cool, silly and touching”, and the show features an actual moving, turning, Kombi van complete with functioning headlights.

Land of the Long Long Drive is on at the Ōamaru Opera House on Monday, April 22, at 3pm. Tickets are an affordable $9.50 plus fees, and those aged one and under, are free seated on a caregiver’s knee.