Peter Weightman enjoys a beer at the Tauranga Jazz Festival in 2007, suitably attired in a hat decorated with an Easter bunny. The long-running festival is held on Easter weekend each year. While Easter is a religious occasion for many, the four-day weekend (Good Friday to Easter Monday) has always been associated with other activities. Because it occurs in autumn, it is often the last opportunity for many New Zealanders to relax and enjoy the outdoors before cooler weather sets in. In the 19th century volunteer camps and hunting trips were popular, and later sports tournaments and conventions were held.