The MotoFest is back. Photo / Dillon Photography
● Rock Orchestra by Candlelight, concert, March 6, 8.30pm at Claudelands Event Centre
A group of 13 musicians blend together classical music and metal. They will perform the songs of iconic bands like Metallica, AC/DC, Rage Against The Machine and LinkinPark. Tickets online via Ticketek.
● Chiefs v Moana Pasifika, Super Rugby match, March 6, 7.05pm at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
The Gallagher Chiefs are ready to take on Moana Pasifika in their second home game of the season. Tickets online via chiefs.flicket.co.nz.
● Ironman New Zealand, triathlon, March 7, Taupō
More than 2600 age-group triathletes, alongside professional triathletes, will take part in the event. Race entries can still be made online at ironman.com.
● Motofest Bike Show, motorsport event, March 7-8, Hampton Downs
In addition to Round 3 of the New Zealand Superbike Championship, enjoy a display of race, classic, custom and iconic bikes, meet some racing legends, discover the new gear and accessories, and test ride the latest models. Tickets are available online at hamptondowns.flicket.co.nz.
● Mercury Bay Art Escape, art event, March 7-9 and 14-16, 10am-4pm around Coromandel
More than 50 artists from Pauanui to Whangapoua, working with a range of mediums, including paint, glass, wool, clay and iron, are opening their studios to the public. For more information visit mercurybay-artescape.com.
● Menopause – The Musical, March 10-12, BNZ Theatre, Hamilton
The global hit musical, including parodies of classic hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s, returns to New Zealand. Set in a department store, four women meet while shopping for a black lace bra. Though strangers, they quickly bond over memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings. Tickets online via Ticketmaster.
● Purple Walk for Endometriosis, community event, March 11, 5.30pm at Innes Common, Hamilton
This community walk is to raise awareness, encourage conversation, and show support for the thousands of people across Aotearoa New Zealand living with endometriosis. Register a team online via insightendometriosis.org.nz.
● Homegrown, music festival, March 14, at Claudelands Oval, Hamilton
The long-standing New Zealand music festival is returning to Hamilton after 18 years in the capital. Tickets online via homegrown.flicket.co.nz.
● NZ Women’s Surf Festival, March 14-15, Pauanui
The festival is a weekend of activities designed to empower women and girls in surfing. It features surf competitions, workshops, yoga, skateboarding, stalls, and sauna sessions. Entries into the competition can be made via liveheats.com.
● Motomania, motorsport event, March 14-15, Taupō International Motorsport Park
The 2026 Star Insure NZ Superbike Championship celebrates its grand finale. Tickets are available online at taupomp.flicket.co.nz.
● White Ferns and Black Caps v South Africa, T20i, March 17, Seddon Park, Hamilton
The Black Caps and White Ferns take on their South African counterparts in back-to-back cricket matches. Tickets online via tickets.nzc.nz.
● Kickdown Festival, motorcycle event, March 20-21, Whangamatā
The event is back in Whangamatā, this time in a special downtown edition instead of Joe’s Farm, in a smaller, tighter format, bringing the action into the heart of town for one weekend of riding and live music. Tickets online via kickdown.flicket.co.nz.
● Bic Runga – Red Sunset Tour, March 21, BNZ Theatre, Hamilton
Bic Runga is taking her sixth album, Red Sunset, around New Zealand. It’s her first collection of all-new material in 15 years. Tickets online via Ticketmaster.
● Balloons Over Waikato, March 21-28, Hamilton
Local and international pilots take to the Waikato skies in their hot air balloons. Every morning, weather permitting, the balloons take off from Innes Common. The iconic Nightglow will open the event this year, the Basket Burn is back, and the balloons will visit South Waikato. Free event.