Canterbury / West Coast

January

World Buskers Festival - the largest international street performers' festival in Australasia. www.worldbuskersfestival.com

February

Christchurch Festival of Flowers - an international floral celebration in the garden city. www.festivalofflowers.co.nz

Food and Wine Festival of Canterbury - Canterbury's premier display of selected wines and food in Hagley Park

Speights Coast to Coast multi-sports event - involves 238 km of kayaking, mountain running and cycling from the West Coast to Christchurch on the east coast.

March

Le Race - New Zealand's own slice of a mountain stage of the Tour de France is also New Zealand's premier hill cycle event. Starts in Cathedral Square and finishes in Akaroa. www.lerace.com

The Ellerslie Flower Show, Christchurch - New Zealand's major garden festival. www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz

Hokitika Wild Foods Festival - a festival celebrating Hokitika and the wild foods of the West Coast. www.wildfoods.co.nz

April

Christchurch International Jazz Festival - a feast of jazz, wine and food featuring top international, national and local talent. www.jazzfestivalnz.com

October

Kaikoura Seafest - a smorgasbord of tastes with food and wine stalls plus live entertainment. www.seafest.co.nz

November

Showtime Canterbury - Christchurch's annual carnival full of activities including an agricultural and pastoral show, harness racing, gallops, and fashion.