March is late summer turning into autumn, and it is one of the best months for outdoor events. The weather is usually settled, school is in, and many of the country's best-known cultural festivals fall in this month.
The events below come back every March. Check exact dates with each organiser before you book.
Annual March events
Pasifika Festival, Auckland
One of the largest Pacific Island festivals in the world takes over Western Springs Lakeside Park for a weekend in mid March, with island villages, food stalls, music and dance. Entry is free, and roads around Western Springs get very busy, so a group drop-off is the easy option.
Balloons over Waikato, Hamilton
Hot air balloons lift off from Hamilton Lake each morning for a week, and the ZURU Nightglow at the University of Waikato draws huge evening crowds with balloons glowing to music and fireworks.
CubaDupa, Wellington
A free two-day street festival in the Cuba Street precinct, with more than 200 acts, street theatre, parades and food vendors, usually in late March.
Hokitika Wildfoods Festival
Held on a Saturday in mid March at Cass Square, the festival is famous for unusual foods such as huhu grubs, plus live music and fancy dress.
Auckland Arts Festival
Theatre, dance, music and free outdoor events across central Auckland for most of March.
WOMAD Aotearoa, New Plymouth
The world music festival at the Bowl of Brooklands is usually held in mid March. It took a break in 2026 and is due to return in 2027.
Beach Hop, Coromandel
A rock'n'roll and classic car festival across Whangamatā, Waihī and Pauanui in late March.
March sport
- Ironman New Zealand: the full-distance triathlon in Taupō, held in early March alongside the 70.3 race.
- Motatapu: mountain bike and trail running races through high-country stations between Wānaka and Arrowtown, in early March.
- Crankworx Rotorua: a week of international mountain biking at Skyline Rotorua, usually in mid March.
- Round the Bays Auckland: New Zealand's largest fun run along Tāmaki Drive to St Heliers, in early March.
Getting your group there
Big March events bring road closures, limited parking and long taxi queues at the end of the night. A private minibus or coach keeps your group together, gets you to the official drop-off zone and takes everyone home at a set time.
- Book early for long weekends and the biggest festivals, as coaches in the host town are often fully booked weeks ahead.
- Check the event's transport page for the bus drop-off point before you confirm pick-up times.
- Allow extra time after the last act or final whistle for crowds to clear.
- For multi-day festivals, ask about a return trip on each day or a single drop-off and pick-up.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pasifika Festival free?
Yes. Pasifika is a free, alcohol-free, family-friendly event held at Western Springs in Auckland.
When is the best time to see Balloons over Waikato?
The morning launches from Hamilton Lake and the Nightglow evening are the highlights. Morning flights depend on the weather, so build some flexibility into your plans.
Book group transport for March events
Bus Hire NZ arranges minibuses and coaches for groups of all sizes, from 11-seat minibuses to 53-seat coaches, with professional drivers who know the venues, the drop-off points and the event traffic plans.
Tell us your event, date and group size through our quick quote form, and we will come back with options.