New Zealand Weather in March

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Typical Temperatures in March

With summer only just over, the autumn month of March experiences mild temperatures. Nevertheless, you’re still likely to get a few days of cold blasts from the South Pole letting you know that winter is on its way.

Because New Zealand has slightly different climates across the country, here’s a list of average temperatures in March in each area of New Zealand.

Northern New Zealand (Northland, Auckland and Tauranga) – 18ºC (64ºF)
Central North Island (Hamilton, Taupo and Rotorua) – 16ºC (61ºF)
South-West North Island (New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Wellington) – 15ºC (59ºF)
Eastern North Island (Gisborne, Napier and Wairarapa) – 18ºC (64ºF)
Northern South Island (Blenheim and Nelson) – 16ºC (61ºF)
Western South Island (Westport, Hokitika and Milford Sound) – 14ºC (57ºF)
Eastern South Island (Kaikoura, Christchurch and Timaru) – 15ºC (59ºF)
Inland South Island (Lake Tekapo, Queenstown and Alexandra) – 13-16ºC (55-61ºF)
Southern New Zealand (Dunedin and Invercargill) – 14ºC (57ºF)

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Other Weather Patterns in March

While mild and sunny weather usually prevails in March, you’re still likely to experience the odd rainy or colder day as the country gets into the autumn season.

Rainfall in March

March is not considered a particularly “wet” month in comparison to other months of the year with the exception of the West Coast of the South Island that experiences more rain than usual. To cover all the different areas of New Zealand, here’s a list of the average rainfall in March across New Zealand.

Northern New Zealand (Northland, Auckland and Tauranga) – 140mm (5.5″)
Central North Island (Hamilton, Taupo and Rotorua) – 80mm (3″)
South-West North Island (New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Wellington) – 90mm (3.5″)
Eastern North Island (Gisborne, Napier and Wairarapa) – 90mm (3.5″)
Northern South Island (Blenheim and Nelson) – 80mm (3″)
Western South Island (Westport, Hokitika and Milford Sound) – 250-650mm (10-25.5″)
Eastern South Island (Kaikoura, Christchurch and Timaru) – 60mm (2.4″)
Inland South Island (Lake Tekapo, Queenstown and Alexandra) – 50mm (2″)
Southern New Zealand (Dunedin and Invercargill) – 80mm (3″)

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The Best Places to Visit in March

Add these New Zealand destinations to your itinerary for March!

Marlborough – with usually good weather in March, Marlborough is a great place to experience hiking in New Zealand on the Queen Charlotte Track.

Central Otago – Queenstown, Cromwell, Alexandra… the Central Otago towns are fantastic to visit this time of year with the autumn colours starting to appear, plus, generally good weather for hiking and mountain biking.

Hawke’s Bay – the east coast region on the North Island is blessed with a warm climate year-round so even in March it’s a great time to hit the bike trails, check out the art deco architecture of Napier city, and hit the beach trail all the way to the stunning Cape Kidnappers.

Abel Tasman National Park – Hit one of the most popular Great Walks in one of the warmest regions on the Abel Tasman Coast Track. The track is uncrowded this time of year.

Auckland – Hike on volcanic islands, wildlife sanctuary islands and vineyard islands in the Hauraki Gulf, all accessible from the city centre ferry terminal. Not only that but can enjoy all the city sights and museums on those bad weather days.

For events to check out in March, head on over to our New Zealand in March.

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March Packing List

Get yourself prepared for March in New Zealand with these items to add to your packing list!

• Rainjacket
• Warm mid-layers
• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Waterproof hiking shoes
• High factor sunscreen (even in March you can still get sunburn)
• Fast-dry hiking pants
• Wool socks
• Casual wear for exploring cities and doing indoor activities

For more things to consider packing, check out the Packing List for Autumn or Spring in New Zealand and 15 Essentials to Pack for New Zealand. Most important of all, check out our complete New Zealand Packing List.