Your March 2025 Newsletter

March 2025

Kia Ora

March signals the transition from summer to autumn in New Zealand, bringing slightly cooler days while still enjoying plenty of sunshine. This month, we’re exploring New Zealand’s unique food scene with our latest posts: New Zealand’s Dining Culture and Must-Taste Kiwi Foods. Whether you're planning your move or just visiting, these insights will help you navigate local dining customs and discover iconic Kiwi flavours.

It's also a great time for hiking, with cooler evenings and fewer tourists on the trails. We highlight the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, a celebration of Irish culture, and remind you that bookings for New Zealand's popular Great Walks open in May.

The New Zealand daylight saving season runs from late September through to early April, so we are enjoying the last of the long evenings for outdoor dining and exploration.

St. Patrick’s Day - March 17

St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17th, is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Over time, the day evolved into a broader celebration of Irish culture, with parades, wearing green, and, of course, plenty of Irish food and drink.

In New Zealand, it’s a chance to embrace all things Irish, whether you have Irish heritage or not, with festivities including music, dancing, and the occasional pint of Guinness.

The St Patrick’s Festival has been running in New Zealand for almost 25 years. It marks the biggest celebration of Irish culture in the country. The Auckland Parade and Irish Music and Dance Festival on Sunday 16 March is the highlight of the event.

Typically Auckland's Sky Tower is lit up green in celebration of St Patrick's Day.

Best Time for Hiking

March is considered one of the best times for hiking in New Zealand because it marks the transition from summer to autumn, bringing mild temperatures, cooler evenings, and less intense heat.

The days are still long enough for extended hikes, but the cooler weather makes it more comfortable for outdoor activities.

Additionally, the landscape often starts to show beautiful autumn colors and with fewer tourists than in peak summer months, the trails are typically less crowded.

Bookings for Popular Great Walks Open in May 2025

The Department of Conservation (DoC) has announced that bookings for the 2025/26 season for New Zealand’s Great Walks and other huts and campsites will open in May.

For many Kiwis and visitors alike, completing a Great Walk is a bucket-list adventure, with some aiming to experience them all. These iconic multi-day hikes traverse spectacular landscapes and are known for their well-maintained tracks and stunning scenery.

Demand for these walks remains high. The Milford Track, for example, has sold out within 45 minutes in previous years due to both domestic and international interest. DoC anticipates a similar response for its newest addition, the Hump Ridge Track.

Mark your calendar and be ready to book! Secure your spot as soon as bookings open to avoid missing out. Visit www.doc.govt.nz for more details and to make a reservation.

Why do we have daylight saving?

Because the Earth is on a tilt (of about 23 degrees, for those curious), we are exposed to more sun during summer and less during winter.

Daylight saving is intended to make the most of those long daylight hours. It means an extra hour of light on summer evenings, rather than super-early in the mornings when hardly anyone is awake to enjoy it.

The idea dates back to the late 18th century when Benjamin Franklin suggested adjusting schedules to maximize daylight hours. The practice became more widespread in the mid-20th century, with countries adopting it to extend evening daylight, boost economic activity, and decrease reliance on artificial lighting.

New Zealand first observed daylight savings in 1927 and despite ongoing debates over its benefits, many countries continue the tradition to make the most of longer summer days.