Photo © Jane Dove-Juneau

Get the calendar out – this February and March are jam-packed full of exciting festivals! There's bound to be something exciting happening near you, or why not take a trip to experience one of these awesome events? It's a great excuse for a holiday, and they're definitely worth it. For even more fantastic summer events, click here

Photo © Jane Dove-Juneau

Photo © Jane Dove-Juneau

Photo © Taranaki Newspapers Limited

1- Endless Summer Festival, Whangarei, February-March 09
Celebrate long, sunny days at this festival, which features some of the best entertainment in Northland. Highlights include Opera in the Garden, the Open Air Cinema and the Rodeo Championships. Some events require tickets, so book early.

2 - Hamilton Gardens Summer Festival, 20 February-1 March 09
Set in the beautiful Hamilton Gardens, this festival combines more than 50 events and 85 performances, celebrating art, culture and great entertainment. There's something for everyone, from fun family events and music to Italian themed nights.

3 - Auckland Festival 09, 5-22 March 09
This huge biennial festival reflects the vibrant cultural diversity of Auckland. For dance, music, theatre, visual art, circus shows, parties, a variety of family events and performances never seen before in Australasia, AK09 has it all.

4 - Womad, New Plymouth, 13-15 March 09
More than 200 artists and performers from all corners of the world will take the stage at this family-friendly festival. With concerts, workshops, crafts and kids' activities, Womad is a great way to experience music and culture from around the globe.

5 - Pasifika Festival, Auckland, 13-14 March 09
Celebrate New Zealand's vibrant Pacific culture at this diverse and entertaining festival. Discover cultural practices and ceremonies such as weaving and lei making, plus enjoy amazing performances and a tasty array of traditional food.

6 - Art Deco Weekend, Napier, 19-22 February 09
One of the biggest events on the Hawke's Bay calendar, Art Deco Weekend is a glamorous extravaganza of music, dance, art, food, wine, theatre and much more. The weekend includes a vintage car parade, black tie events and period costumes.

7 - Hokonui Moonshiners Festival, Gore, 21 February 09
This boutique whiskey festival features Hokonui Whiskey brewed to the old recipe, fine wines, beers, local foods and fantastic live entertainment. Local museums and galleries also play a part, with whiskey-related displays and collections.

8 - Ellerslie International Flower Show, Christchurch, 11-15 March 09
This year the largest gardening event in the southern hemisphere will be held in New Zealand's ‘Garden City' for the first time. See horticultural, floral and landscape creativity combined with fabulous food, wine, live entertainment and art displays.

9 - Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, 14 March 09
Find out why the west is wild at this wacky and wonderful festival. Taste gourmet bush tucker and innovative dishes such as fish eyes, cicada and pistachio ice cream and venison tongue! Don't miss this colourful expression of West Coast culture.

10 - MarchFest, Nelson, 28 March 09
MarchFest takes advantage of the region's sunny climate and world-class beverages. Celebrate festival beers created by local brewers while taking advantage of the awesome live entertainment and delicious local cuisine.