Weather
March is the first month of fall in New Zealand. Temperatures are likely to be warm in northern and coastal parts of the country, especially earlier in the month, and cooler in the south. Because New Zealand is quite a long country (around 870 mi/1,400 km), surrounded by sea, and with high mountains in the middle, there's a lot of climatic variation.
Average March high temperatures are in the high 60s (Fahrenheit) in the upper North Island, the low 60s in central parts of the country (including Wellington and the upper South Island), and high 50s farther south, including Queenstown and Dunedin. Mountainous and inland areas will generally be colder than coastal places, and it's not unusual to see a sprinkling of snow on the mountains in places like Queenstown and Wānaka in March.
March begins to see an increase in rain, though on the whole, it's not a paritcularly wet month. The exception, however, is if an ex-tropical cyclone hits New Zealand from the Pacific islands farther north (cyclone season is between November and April). On average, New Zealand feels the effects of these cyclones annually, in February or March, although they don't land every year. These storms lose a significant amount of strength by the time they reach New Zealand, so they're usually experienced as bad storms.
If you hear that a cyclone's coming your way while you're traveling in New Zealand in March, cancel any outdoor plans (such as multiday hikes) and choose indoor activities for a few days. If you're camping, consider getting a hotel room.
Crowds & Costs
March is shoulder season in New Zealand. You won't see the same volume of visitors at major sites as you would in midsummer, but as temperatures are still quite high and weather conditions are good, this isn't yet the low season. If Easter falls in March, as it often does, schools will be on holiday for some time around it. New Zealanders like to get out and explore their own country, so expect to see an increase in domestic travelers at popular (as well as less well-known!) destinations.
Many visitors like to camp when traveling around New Zealand. As temperatures cool off, campsites will become less busy, although you shouldn't expect to have the campsite to yourself. As a lot of travelers use RVs rather than tents; they're less restricted by the weather.
Where to Go
If you want to enjoy some beach time, this is still possible in March, especially earlier in the month. In fact, sea temperatures are often warmer in March than in early summer because they've spent several months warming up, so if you want to swim in the sea, there should be plenty of opportunities. Northland, the wider Auckland area, and the Coromandel Peninsula are the best places for this in March, although the upper South Island (around Nelson, the Marlborough Sounds, and Golden Bay) also experiences warm temperatures in March.
On the contrary, if you're seeking crisp mountain conditions, you can also find these in March. Head to Queenstown, Wānaka, or Aoraki / Mount Cook for beautiful mountain views and outdoor activities.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
As well as beach time, there are plenty of other outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in March. As conditions are usually not too wet, and warm but not too hot, March is a great time to go tramping. New Zealanders themselves love to hike, so you'll never be far from a short or long-distance trail. Very popular places like the Abel Tasman National Park or the Tongariro National Park will probably still be quite busy in March, but you won't have to look too hard for a quieter trail, if that's what you're after.
March is also a good time of year to go mountain biking for the same reasons. There are short and much longer trails, catering to a range of fitness and experience levels. The 93-mile (150 km) Otago Central Rail Trail is a good option for bikers who prefer flatter terrain. The Old Coach Road in the central North Island is a fun 2-3 hour trail that includes culture, history, and beautiful landscapes.
Events in March
Easter, Nationwide. This Christian holiday sometimes falls in March. Although not everyone observes the holiday from a religious perspective, schools and many workplaces are on vacation. The sale of alcohol is prohibited on Easter Sunday and Good Friday unless you're buying it to drink with a meal in a licensed restaurant.
Wildfoods Festival, Hokitika. At this food festival in the small West Coast (South Island) town, you can try unusual, weird, and cringeworthy foods like bull testicles and deep-fried insects. There's more mainstream food, too, as well as plenty of craft beer and fine wine. People come from all over the South Island for this festival, so book accommodation in advance.
Traveling to New Zealand in March? Check out these great itineraries
New Zealand Active North Island Road Trip: Auckland, Coromandel & Rotorua - 9 Days. Nine days is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of the North Island's cities, beaches, and geothermal wonders, starting in Auckland, with dinner atop the Sky Tower and a whale and dolphin watching cruise. Then, start your road trip north to the Coromandel Peninsula, where you'll dig holes at the beach to reach a hot spring and go sea kayaking around Cathedral Cove.
Active Road Trip on New Zealand's South Island - 18 Days. Explore the wonders of New Zealand's South Island with this action-packed road trip where you'll journey at your own pace through breathtaking landscapes such as Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and Hokitika Gorge.
More Helpful Information
New Zealand in February
New Zealand in April
Best Time of Year to Visit New Zealand
How Many Days to Spend in New Zealand