Our top picks for your next weekend getaway

Wairakei Estate Ironkidz, Taupo.

Whangarei's finest

As Whangarei's Endless Summer Festival heads into its last month, there are three great free events this Sunday to take advantage of. First up, from 9am, is the Kiwi North Museum's Crank Up Day, hosted by the Northland Vintage Machinery Club and the Whangarei Stationary Engine Club. Guests will be treated to a hay-making demonstration and firewood cutting and splitting and there'll be plenty of tractors and bulldozers. From 10am, head along to the Opuawhanga Hall Duck Race Day on The Green (289 Kaiikanui Rd, Opuawhanga). Entry costs $10, your duck is supplied, and races start from 11am. At 2pm, join in the Guided Kayak Tour of Waikaraka Beach (Waikaraka Beach Rd, Tamaterau, Whangarei Heads) and learn out about the marine life that lives in the reserve and how to kayak by professionals. For ages 7 and up. Sunday February 25.

Run Auckland run

The annual Ports of Auckland Round the Bays jaunt around the city's waterfront takes place for the 46th time next weekend. A great day out for the whole family, the flat course takes in 8.4km from Quay St to St Heliers Bay, which you can choose to run or walk. All funds raised go to some great causes, which this year are Lifeline, Riding for the Disabled and the Spirit of Adventure. Dust off your trainers and get involved. Sunday, March 4, 9.30am-2pm, to register and for more information visit .

Blues and jazz at the beach

It will all be happening down at Opotiki's beautiful Waiotahe Beach next weekend when the Island View Holiday Park kicks off its inaugural three-day Island View Jazz Blues festival. On the bill of the all-inclusive accommodation, food and entertainment festival are local acts Paul Urbana Jones, Rodger Fox and the Funkbone Experience, Darren Watson, Neil Billington and the Raven Mavens, and many more. The beachfront holiday park looks out to White Island and has its own swimming pool, tennis and volleyball courts, as well as a range of accommodation options. Limited day passes are available. Island View Holiday Park, Waiotahe Beach, Opotiki, Friday, March 2—Monday, March 5. For tickets and more information visitislandviewjazzblues.com

Kids of steel

As a precursor for next weekend's Ironman event in Taupo, the Ironmen and women to be take over the city's lakefront for the Waireki Estate Ironkidz Triathlon. Children aged 7-15 must complete a swim, a bike ride and a run, and can enter on their own or as part of a team of two or three. There's also a fun Splash & Dash event for those aged 5-7, which is a paddle in the lake followed byashort run. Parents can join in with this if they wish to. Sunday, February 25. To enter and for more information visit ironkidz.co.nz.