Mad March and April fools
Mad March and April fools – bringing on New Zealand’s exciting autumn events
This year’s New Zealand summer has been stunning but the warmer temperatures haven’t disappeared quite yet.
As autumn sets in the weather becomes more settled although it’s a little cooler, especially in the morning and evenings, and the leaves are turning.
However, with kids back to school and people back at work it’s quieter on the roads, driving around is easier and different regions and towns are putting on some great events for locals and visitors to enjoy.
As you can see below, there’s loads to do and see in March and April, with a lot of excitement too – no joke!
Wairarapa Balloon Festival – Wairarapa 12 – 15 March, 2015
This year’s Wairarapa Balloon Festival will be bigger and better than ever with the arrival of the big, bright and brilliant – Peg Leg Pete the Pirate Parrot.
The four day region wide event features an array colourful and odd-shaped hot air balloons from all over the country and overseas.
Balloons launch every day at dawn in a breathtaking display from locations in Masterton, Carterton, Greytown and (weather permitting) some late afternoon flights may also take place.
WOMAD – New Plymouth 13 – 15 March, 2015
The World of Music and Dance (WOMAD) returns to New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park bringing together a selection of famous artists from round the globe to celebrate different music, art and dance.
Held in one of the New Zealand’s “Gardens of National Significance”, WOMAD is for the whole family and this year will include stars such as Sinead O’Connor and Rufus Wainwright.
The Ultimate Waterman 2015 – Nationwide 14 – 21 March 2015
New Zealand’s waves are set to put the world’s ultimate water sportsmen to the test when the country plays host to the inaugural Ultimate Waterman multi-discipline surfing event in March.
Aimed at finding the world’s best all-round waterman the six discipline event will see the invite-only contestants follow the ebb and flow of the sea to find the perfect conditions for the chosen disciplines. Events include: short board surfing, longboard surfing, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) endurance and SUP surfing, waka-ama endurance and tow-in surfing.
The Ultimate Waterman takes place across the country with competitors flying or driving to find the best locations and conditions for each event within some of the world’s best coastal scenery.
Locations include: Ahipara and Hokianga, Northland: East Coast, Coromandel: Raglan, Waikato: and Fiordland and Caitlins on the South Coast of the South Island. There will also be public events in Auckland at Takapuna Beach, North Shore, (14th March), Piha, West Coast, (15th March) and Mission Bay, Auckland City (19th-21st March).
Balloons over Waikato – Waikato 25 – 29 March, 2015
The second major hot air balloon event of the autumn takes place in Hamilton, just under two hours’ drive from Auckland, on Innes Common, about 2 kms south west of the Central City.
Balloons over Waikato is a visual spectacle featuring magnificent hot air balloons from New Zealand and overseas. There will be five days of fun and competition, culminating in the Hamilton Night Glow – an orchestrated show with live music and fireworks.
Crankworx – Rotorua 25-29 March, 2015
Crankworx, the biggest mountain biking festival in the world is coming to Rotorua in the Central North Island. The 2015 mountain bike season will kick off with 5 days of world class riding and competition from March 25-29.
Crankworx Rotorua brings with it the best mountain biking pro-athletes for competitions, concerts, culture and cranking. Rotorua will be a part of the Pump Track series and will host Speed and Style, Slopestyle, Downhill and Enduro events over the five days. There will also be a raft of other events surrounding the festival for amateur and non-bikers, including a music festival featuring top New Zealand artists.
Te Houtaewa 90 Mile Beach Marathon – Northland 28 March, 2015
One of the icons of New Zealand, Ninety Mile Beach, will be the venue for an Ultra Marathon of 62kms, a marathon, half marathon and 12 km five person relay, on the same day in late March.
The annual Te Houtaewa 90 Mile Beach Marathon honours the Maori legend of the great athlete Te Houtaewa – the fastest runner of his day who was known to play many pranks on his people’s enemies. Now in its 22nd year, the event attracts competitors from around the world.
ITU World Triathlon Series – Auckland 28 – 29 March, 2015
The ITU World Triathlon Series is the pinnacle of the sport and was created to give the world’s top athletes the chance to compete regularly year around. The international tour is held in some of the world’s top cities.
The 2015 ITU World Triathlon Series starts in Auckland and features nine different classes of competition. The newest addition to the event is the Queen Street Golden Mile which sees runners making their own history, running their fastest mile down Auckland’s main street.
NZ Surf Festival – Taranaki 18 April- 4 May, 2015
Sixty of the world’s best surfers will converge on the West Coast region of Taranaki for the NZ Surf Festival event in the women’s 6-Star Qualifying Series.
In addition to the women’s QS event, the NZ Surf Festival will also feature men’s and women’s ASP Pro Junior divisions that will see the best surfers under 21 from the Asia Pacific region compete for valuable rating’s points and prize-money.
100km Flyer – Taupo to Rotorua 18 April, 2015
The 100km Flyer biking event is an annual race that has over 3,500 people cycle from one New Zealand tourist mecca to another, taking in some of the most scenic countryside the North Island has to offer as they cycle 100km from Taupo to Rotorua. There are no age restrictions and it is open to anyone with a bike.
Auckland Festival of Photography – Auckland 28 May – 20 June, 2015
By the end of May you will be able to relax from adventure sports and visit the annual Auckland Festival of Photography. This is a stunning signature visual arts event that provides a unique insight into New Zealand’s largest and most multi-cultural city. The three week event is the biggest of its kind in New Zealand and includes a programme of exhibitions and events including free professionally curated exhibitions.
FIFA U-20 World Cup – Nationwide 30 May – 20 June, 2015
Seven cities across New Zealand will host some of the most talented rising stars of the world game when the FIFA U-20 World Cup is staged later in the autumn.
Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, New Plymouth and Wellington in the North Island will host games, while Christchurch and Dunedin will represent the sport-loving South. During the three week tournament New Zealand will play host to 24 international teams, with a total of 52 matches played.
For more detail visit our blog – Fifa U-20 World Cup – the beautiful game in the beautiful country.
If you are travelling to New Zealand from March to June, try taking in one or two of these great events.
You can go where you want and when you want if you travel by car, and if limiting the amount you spend is important, try renting a cheap car rental from a company like New Zealand Discount Car Rentals.
At its Auckland Airport base, you will always be welcomed by a friendly Kiwi smile, fantastic service and great prices.
Daily rates start at $14.95 for a short term rental and could be as low as $9.95 a day for a minimum of 40 days. And with a large fleet of high quality vehicles from small hatchbacks to people movers you will find a car and rental period that suits your plans.
Enjoy your autumn stay in New Zealand, drive safely especially if it gets wet, cold and frosty, and remember we drive on the left side of the road. For hints and tips about driving in New Zealand visit our blog The Tiki Tour – your New Zealand road trip.