New Zealand in March - Things to Do & Reasons to Visit

Is it your first time in New Zealand and not sure what to do? Check out Best Bits – Things to Do as you sort out the best month to visit New Zealand.

Weather in New Zealand is four seasons in one day. Aotearoa New Zealand is several skinny narrow islands isolated in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Glorious day throughout the year is a promise together with the option of rain throughout the year.

Seasons are the opposite to Europe, United Kingdom, North America (northern hemisphere) creating a great winter escape for our neighbours in the Far East and beyond. Peak season is summer, December to February.

March is a shoulder season with autumn on the horizon, definitely travel deals to be had. Summer tours are winding down so check beforehand if this is important to you.

@MarchFest Nelson

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN NEW ZEALAND IN MARCH?

In NZ March is a shoulder season month with travel deals in most tourist areas. However some tourist operators whose outdoor attractions are weather dependent could be working limited hours or closed. Check beforehand to avoid disappointment. Be prepared for a cold snap or blustery weather when outdoors. If Easter holidays occur in March there is a spike of local visitors to holiday hot spots.

@Earth Beat Aotearoa

@BeachHopCars

@MarchFest Nelson

Max (wet) + Jane with birdwomen Auckland botanic garden

Whangamata in summer, with pohutukawa trees blooming on Port Road, Coromandel

Kumeu Hot Rod Festive, Auckland, New Zealand @Kumeuhotrodfestival

Classic Ford pickup truck bonnet, market gardeners work horse Pukekohe, Auckland

Glorious sunny weather days with a hint of coolness in the early and late afternoon and showers are a distinct possibility. Autumn nip in the air means pack for four seasons with the T-shirt next to your waterproof coat. March is a great month to enjoy the comfortable temperatures outdoors.

Pasifika Festival (Auckland) where the pacific polynesian peoples celebrate their culture
Earth Beat Festival (Atiu Creek, Auckland) family themed festival over five days
Homegrown music festival (Wellington)
Womad music festival (New Plymouth)
Beach Hop rock and roll festival with hundreds of vintage cars attending. Held in Whangamata

Exterior facade of the Len Lye Centre (Govett-Brewster Art Gallery) in New Plymouth

Fairfield Park and historic Fairfield House in Nelson city

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN NEW ZEALAND IN MARCH?

North Island NZ March monthly average temperature:

Average low +10°c
Average high +22°c

South Island NZ March monthly average temperature:

Average low +6°c
Average high +21°c

Check out New Zealand average temperatures for the month you are planning to visit either the North or South Island. Or anywhere in between. The most reliable weather forecast service is NZ Met Service.

NEW ZEALAND CLIMATE, WEATHER AND SEASONS ADDS A RICHNESS TO YOUR HOLIDAY

Four seasons, four opportunities to experience what New Zealand has to offer visitors. The climate, the daily weather forecast and the distinct seasons add to the rich palate of attractions from spring festivals to winter ski resort activities.

Find out more

Lake Wanaka, South Island

TRAVEL PACK INFORMATION

NEW ZEALAND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Monthly temperature data is sourced from Monthly | NIWA. For visitors fascinated by climate change data NIWA provides a rich publicly available resource to browse
Source The uniqueness of New Zealand plants an excellent school resource handy for visitors to help understand NZ’s unique biodiversity

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Our editors independently visit tour operators, purchase tickets, pay for accommodation, and rate products and places. We are not paid to go on a tour or visit a place. We only make money if you decide to purchase a product through our website links. We promise to never accept free products from manufacturers in return for boosting their products. Read more about our affiliate programme in the terms and conditions HERE.

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