Things to Do in Auckland in March

March Weather in Auckland

22°C (72°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

90 mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak grape harvest season - wineries on Waiheke Island offer exclusive tastings and harvest experiences only available in March
Shoulder season pricing kicks in after mid-March, saving 20-30% on accommodations compared to summer peak
Perfect sailing conditions with consistent westerly winds 15-20 knots and fewer crowds on the Hauraki Gulf
Auckland Festival of Photography runs throughout March with free exhibitions across 40+ venues citywide

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns - can shift from sunny 22°C (72°F) to 15°C (59°F) with rain within hours
School holidays end mid-March, creating accommodation booking competition in first two weeks
Higher rainfall means outdoor hiking tracks can be muddy and some island ferry services occasionally cancelled

Best Activities in March

Waiheke Island Wine Tours

March is harvest season (vintage), offering unique picking experiences and new vintage tastings unavailable other times. Weather is ideal with warm days 20-22°C (68-72°F) and lower humidity than summer. Ferry crossings are smoother with calmer seas.

Booking Tip: Book harvest experiences 3-4 weeks ahead as wineries limit participants to 12-15 per session. Day tours typically cost NZ$80-120 plus ferry (NZ$44 return). Look for operators including ferry transfers and lunch. See current options in booking section below.

Hauraki Gulf Sailing Adventures

March offers Auckland's most consistent sailing conditions with 15-20 knot westerlies and fewer summer crowds. Water temperature is still warm at 19°C (66°F) from summer. Afternoon showers are brief and sailing continues in light rain.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters cost NZ$600-900 for up to 8 people. Book 10-14 days ahead for weekends. Choose operators with covered areas for March showers. Morning departures (9am-1pm) have most stable weather. Check booking widget for current availability.

Rangitoto Island Hiking

Cooler March temperatures 18-22°C (64-72°F) make the 5.5 km (3.4 mile) summit track comfortable without summer's intense heat. Clear post-rain days offer spectacular views to the Coromandel. Track can be muddy after rain but manageable with proper footwear.

Booking Tip: Ferry costs NZ$32 return, runs every 2 hours from downtown. Allow 4-5 hours total including ferry time. Bring extra layers as summit is 3-4°C (5-7°F) cooler than sea level. Weather changes quickly - check conditions before departure.

Thermal Pools and Geothermal Experiences

March's changeable weather makes hot pools particularly appealing. Temperatures of 38-42°C (100-108°F) feel perfect when air temperature drops to 14°C (57°F) in evening. Less crowded than summer months with better availability.

Booking Tip: Day trips to Rotorua typically cost NZ$180-250 including transport and entry. Local Auckland hot pools (Parakai, Miranda) cost NZ$15-25 entry. Book Rotorua tours 1 week ahead. Evening sessions are magical in March's cooler weather.

Auckland Art Gallery and Museum Tours

March weather drives more locals indoors, creating vibrant cultural scene. Auckland Art Gallery's Pacific and Māori collections are world-class. Rainy days (expect 10 in March) are perfect for museum hopping in climate-controlled comfort.

Booking Tip: Most museums cost NZ$25-30 entry. Auckland Art Gallery is free for permanent collection. Purchase Auckland Museum combo tickets (NZ$45-60) covering multiple venues. Guided tours typically NZ$20-30 extra. Book cultural tours through widget below.

Food Market and Culinary Walking Tours

March brings autumn produce to markets - feijoas, late stone fruit, and early citrus. Cooler weather makes walking tours comfortable without summer heat. La Cigale Market and Matakana Farmers Market are less crowded than summer peak.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost NZ$120-180 for 3-4 hours including tastings. Weekend markets are busier but better selection. Bring light rain jacket for outdoor markets. Book food experiences 5-7 days ahead. See current culinary tours in booking section.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Auckland Festival of Photography

Month-long festival featuring exhibitions across 40+ venues from galleries to cafes. Many events are free, showcasing local and international photographers. Perfect indoor activity for rainy March days.

Mid March

Pasifika Festival

Pacific Island cultural celebration at Western Springs Park featuring traditional food, music, and performances from 11 Pacific nations. Usually held mid-March with free admission.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - March showers are sudden and can last 30-45 minutes

Layered clothing system - temperature swings of 8°C (14°F) daily require adaptability

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - pavements can be slippery when wet, hiking tracks muddy

Compact umbrella - essential for sudden downpours while exploring downtown

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 still requires protection, especially on water

Light merino wool base layer - perfect for 14°C (57°F) mornings, breathes well as day warms

Quick-dry pants/shorts - versatile for hiking tracks that may be muddy

Light scarf or pashmina - useful for air-conditioned venues and cool evenings

Waterproof phone case - protect electronics during ferry trips and outdoor activities

Casual dress clothes - Auckland dining scene is sophisticated, especially in Ponsonby and Viaduct

Insider Knowledge

Check MetService marine forecast before booking island trips - March can have sudden wind changes affecting ferry schedules

Visit Waiheke wineries mid-week during harvest season for smaller groups and more personal attention from winemakers

Download the Auckland Transport mobile app - real-time updates crucial when weather affects bus and ferry services

Book accommodations by early February for first half of March due to school holiday overlap, but great deals available after March 15th

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather - March nights drop to 14°C (57°F) and rain brings instant temperature drops

Booking outdoor activities without weather backup plans - have indoor alternatives ready for the 10 rainy days

Assuming summer operating hours continue - many attractions reduce hours or close certain days starting mid-March