March in Aotearoa New Zealand marks the start of autumn. It’s an excellent time to travel with lingering warm, sunny days, long daylight hours and fewer crowds than in the summer months. 

If you have clients planning to travel during March, here are some of the best festivals and events taking place across the motu (country) celebrating everything from New Zealand food and wine to art, culture and music from around the globe. 

North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival 

Touting itself as the “coolest little wine festival” the North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival(opens in new window) is held every year in Waipara, a burgeoning wine region less than an hour’s drive north of Ōtautahi Christchurch. 

Taking place ahead of the local wine harvest (it’s insider knowledge that this is one of the top spots in the country for pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling) your clients can expect food, wine and beer from the region’s producers as well as hands-on classes and artisan stalls selling everything from ceramics to olive oil. There’s also a petting zoo and face painting for little festivalgoers and a line-up of musicians gracing the main stage throughout the day. 

WOMAD, Taranaki 

For over 20 years, thousands have flocked to New Plymouth in Taranaki to attend WOMAD(opens in new window) (World of Music, Art & Dance), a three-day family-orientated festival of cultural diversity and vibrant performances.  

A proudly multi-cultural festival, musicians, artists, poets, chefs, dancers, storytellers and speakers from all over the world come to entertain and connect with open-minded attendees. Get hands-on with a workshop, head to one of the many stages for a musical performance or dine on global flavours. A kid's zone for tamariki (children) includes activities like arts and crafts, storytelling and games. And if your clients want to stay close to the action, camping and glamping spots can be booked. 

Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival, Marlborough 

Since 2004 the annual Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival(opens in new window) has been showcasing the delicious delights of green shell mussels, New Zealand king salmon and Pacific oysters – all of which are grown in the pristine waters of the Marlborough Sounds. 

Bringing good vibes for the whole family, there’s a cooking competition open to all ages and abilities, private cooking classes and cooking displays from local and celebrity chefs as well as a mussel opening competition. Complementing the seafood-focused activities is live music from kiwi artists and over 40 food stalls to satisfy any hunger cravings. And at the end of the festival each year, profits are used to give back to local communities. 

CubaDupa, Wellington 

Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest street festival returns to the “coolest little capital”, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington once again, celebrating what the city is best known for – it’s vibrancy, diversity and unique creative spirit. 

For two days in March, CubaDupa(opens in new window) takes over the iconic Cuba Street, famed for its bohemian vibe, vintage shops and world-class cafés. Wildly creative, your clients will experience Wellington as they’ve never seen it before with a whānau (family) friendly programme of music, art, parades, dance, food and much more! With previous entertainment including circus acts and art installations, just about anything can happen as this free arts festival.

• Seeking inspiration for autumn exploration? Check out our autumn highlights video on YouTube(opens in new window)
• For more information on travelling to Aotearoa New Zealand in autumn visit newzealand.com(opens in new window)