Looking for a rundown of the best events in New Zealand this March? You’ve come to the right place.
There are some great things happening throughout New Zealand as we officially move into autumn (shhhh don’t tell anyone though as we’re still clinging on to summer!). March is one of the best times of the year for getting out and attending one of the many events taking place throughout the country. The weather remains warm and sunny, however, the mornings and evenings begin to cool down, making it an ideal time to get out and try something new.
That’s why we thought we’d put together this list featuring 6 of the best events in New Zealand in March to help you make the most of it! Let us know if there are any we have missed.
1. LEXUS URBAN POLO
View this post on Instagram
It was recently announced that the Auckland Lexus Urban Polo event would have to be postponed until 2023 due to ongoing uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic. A new date has been set for 2023 and more information is available on the website. Below is a run down of the Lexus Urban Polo events and make sure you mark the date in your diary for next year.
For those who want (and need) to be seen at the trendiest events in the country, you’ll know all about Lexus Urban Polo.
The event is hugely popular and a guaranteed sell-out with attendees entertained with 3 short games of polo between 4 competing teams. As much as it is about the polo, it’s also about fashion with attendees dressed to impress in their summery best.
The hospitality is great with only the finest food and beverages on offer and there’s also a live stage of music that adds to the atmosphere on the day. It’s a great event to attend to sign off the summer in style!
This year, Lexus Urban Polo is taking place across three different venues. Christchurch’s Hagley Park was the proposed host for the first of the three-event series, however, in March, it’s Auckland’s turn to host the event, once again being held at the iconic Auckland Domain in front of the War Memorial Museum. This year, the organisers have added a new event to the schedule for the first time when Mount Maunganui will play host to the Lexus Urban Polo, however, you will have to wait until 2 April for that event which promises to be a cracking day out at the Bay Oval.
Event: Lexus Urban Polo
When: 11 March 2023
Where: Auckland Domain, Auckland
2. HOKITIKA WILDFOODS FESTIVAL
View this post on Instagram
Sadly, organisers have made the recent decision to cancel the Hokitika Wildfoods festival in 2022, with a new date already locked in for next year.
“This is the first year Wildfoods won’t be happening in the 34 years it has been running but we will be back Wilder and more Feral in 2023 said festival coordinator Andy Thompson, “we really feel for our stall holders and community groups that support the festival because it is a massive part of their fundraising efforts for the year”.
Make a note in your diaries and read more about the event below – it really is an iconic Kiwi festival held in March every year.
If you’re an adventurous type when it comes to life (and food) then you’ll want to get yourself to Hokitika to attend the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival!
2023 is the festival’s 35th year which shows just how much of an institution it has become. Over 50 food stalls will be up and running over the course of the day with all sorts of interesting treats to dig your teeth into.
Some of the more iconic regular dishes include Colostrum Shooters, Deer Pizzel, Huhu Grubs and Mountain Oysters (Lamb Testicles!). If that all sounds too much they also serve more traditional delicacies like Whitebait Fritters and Venison.
One of the great New Zealand food festivals to experience!
Event: Hokitika Wildfoods Festival
When: 11 March 2023
Where: Hokitika
3. MARCHFEST
View this post on Instagram
Another of March’s most popular events to feel the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is Marchfest.
Festival Director, Lea Muirden says “This was a heart-breaking decision to have to make, especially as this is a long-running festival and a highlight of the Nelson/Tasman events calendar, in the 15 years Marchfest has been running, this is the first time we have had to cancel. Advance ticket sales for the festival indicated that people were excited to get together and celebrate NZ Craft Beer, we were so excited about our line-up of breweries – 11 from the Top of the South and 4 invited from other NZ regions. However, with the festival being so close and the uncertainty around when large festivals can happen, it makes it difficult to plan ahead to ensure there is no further impact for our event, our Breweries, Sponsors, suppliers and our attendees and so we had to make the call now”
Marchfest is another iconic Kiwi festival held in March every year and it promises to be bigger and better than ever in 2023. Read more about the event below.
MarchFest is easily one of the best events in New Zealand in March for a whole host of reasons. It’s the main event of Nelson Beer Week with a great music lineup every year. It’s also a fantastic celebration of food and beer with 15 new beers to be introduced and no shortage of amazing food stalls.
There’ll also be an opportunity to learn in MarchFest’s Brew Zone with demonstrations by dedicated home brewers making batches of beer from scratch! You’ll also be able to buy paddles with room for 5 taster-sized brews so you enjoy more than a few samples!
If you’re picking up your Nelson car rental in March and you’re a fan of music and beer (who isn’t?), make sure to check out ‘NZ’s Big Little Craft Beer Festival’. A great event for March in the equally great city of Nelson.
Event: MarchFest
When: 4 March 2023
Where: Founders Heritage Park, Nelson
4. BALLOONS OVER WAIKATO
View this post on Instagram
The Balloons over Waikato event will go ahead in 2022, although it will look slightly different to usual with none of the events that are usually held for the public. This doesn’t mean, however, that it won’t be a spectacular few days down in the Waikato and, if you have never been before, it’s an event we urge you to visit, even if some of the public events can’t take place.
For those who don’t know, the Balloons over Waikato is an annual hot air balloon festival that attracts balloonists from all over the world. They take to to the air over five days for a range of balloon competitive activities. Typically, over 130,000 spectators will gather and watch the magnificent sight of the hot air balloons of all descriptions float in the sky, however, this year, it will look a little different.
Every morning during the festival, the team will announce where they’re flying from and they will have loads of awesome giveaways to keep the magic alive, so make sure to follow them on their social channels.
Whether you are on your morning commute to work, on the way to school or still at home in your PJ’s, you will be able to look up and enjoy the magical sight.
The highlight for many takes place on the evening of Day 4 called ‘Zuru Nightglow’ where balloons glow to orchestrated music and a spectacular fireworks display! This year, this will be a virtual event so keep an eye on the Facebook page for more information.
Event: Balloons over Waikato
When: 15 – 19 March 2022
Where: Innes Common, Hamilton Lake and The University of Waikato, Hamilton
5. JIM BEAM HOMEGROWN
View this post on Instagram
Another event to bite the dust this March is the Jim Beam Homegrown Festival, held on Wellington’s Waterfront.
The event is one of the most highly anticipated music festivals in New Zealand and takes place in our nation’s capital every March.
It’s a great event with the best emerging and established singers, musicians and bands from all over the country performing. The lineup for 2023 will be confirmed in due course and anyone that has tickets for the 2022 event can claim their refund or hold on to their tickets for next year when the date has already been locked in.
In total, there’ll be 5 stages set up across the backdrop of the picturesque Wellington Waterfront. This gives attendees to chop and change between different styles and genres as they choose and feel.
Each stage has food and beverage stalls nearby from some great local vendors too which will keep your energy reserves stocked. An awesome one to get to if you can get tickets!
Event: Jim Beam Homegrown
When: 18 March 2023
Where: Wellington
6. PASIFIKA
View this post on Instagram
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Pasifika is the final event from our list of the best events in March to succumb to COVID in 2022. The event was due to take place from 18-20 March and this year would have been the 30th anniversary of one of New Zealand’s most popular festivals.
“The Pasifika Festival is much loved by Aucklanders and an important celebration of our city’s vibrant and diverse cultures—the decision to cancel it would have been a tough one to make,” says Phil Goff, Mayor of Auckland.
The event is scheduled to go ahead again next year and it promises to be a huge celebration following this year’s disappointment. Read more about the event below.
Hosted at Auckland’s lovely Western Springs, 10 islands will be represented over two days of cultural celebration. There’ll also be 10 stages featuring entertainment like singing, dancing and drumming!
There’ll also be lots of different food stalls selling the best tasty treats from all over the Pacific. You’re more than welcome to bring your own picnic in what is sure to be a beautiful day out for all.
Check out our Auckland car rentals to get the crew to and from the festival.
Event: Pasifika
When: 18 – 20 March 2022
Where: Western Springs Park, Auckland
So there you have it! The list of the 6 best events in New Zealand in March which we hope you’ve enjoyed. We’ve also got some great city guides featuring all the main attractions with a few additional tips about accommodation, eating and more to complement these fantastic events!
Related Posts
- 7 of the best events in New Zealand in February
- 6 of the best events in New Zealand in April
- 13 Food and Wine Festivals to add to your bucket list
- 17 New Zealand Events that are as Kiwi as they get!
Caring for our country
The Tiaki Promise is a tourism campaign launched in November 2018 and is a commitment to care for New Zealand, now and for future generations. Tiaki means ‘to care and protect’ in Te Reo Māori and it is up to us to act as guardians of the beautiful country in which we all travel. By following the five key promises that make up the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand. Find out more about the Tiaki Promise.
