On St Patrick’s Day in Auckland, New Zealand, everyone claims to have a little Irish blood in them. In fact, about twenty percent of the population does have Irish heritage, making celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day New Zealand something special. The Irish festival increases excitement over several days before the highly anticipated Auckland St Patrick’s Day parade. The festivities may only have taken place over the last couple decades, but already Auckland has proven that they know how to put on a good show. If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand during the weeklong festival celebrating the Irish national holiday, be prepared for some exciting activities!

St Patrick’s Day in Auckland is an extended affair—expect to see the first flags and silly green costumes as much as a week before the actual holiday. Locals of all nationalities come together each March to celebrate certain qualities of Irish culture, including music, dance, and a welcoming atmosphere that has become world-famous. Saint Patrick’s Day New Zealand 2023 has activities planned for families and groups of all ages. Crafts, food, and music are all central to the entertainment planned in honor of the most famous patron saint of Ireland.

Similar to those in cities across the world, such as Dublin and New York City, the Auckland St Patrick’s Day parade is a favorite annual event. Musicians, dancers, and colorful floats inspire cheers from the crowd as they wind through the streets of Auckland. The festival in Auckland is especially creative, and the parade is just the beginning of the Irish celebration. Join in on the free Guinness traveling hooley, which transports festival-goers from one Irish pub to the next. Looking for something a little more wholesome? The Irish Society Field and Fun Day includes hurling, Gaelic football, and other competitions, so get ready for some stiff competition in the tradition of Irish sports.

St Patrick’s Day 2023 in Auckland begins a week prior to the actual holiday. Be a part of the festivities from the beginning, and participate at the festival launch at one of the Irish pubs in the city, which is announced with each year’s program schedule. Other celebrations of Irish culture include comedy, the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, and other free concerts. Looking for less organization during your celebration? Just head for any of the local pubs to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day New Zealand. From The Bog Irish Pub to The Claddagh, you’ll find Irish karaoke, quiz nights, and traditional music jam sessions.

Don’t get too wrapped up in the activities to miss the Auckland St Patrick’s Day Parade; this highlight is a well-organized event that gives you a chance to show off your most creative green outfit. During the week-long festival, be sure to stop in the Clare Inn for its festivities featuring oysters, music, and Jameson. During March, the entire city displays pride in Irish heritage and culture. Unlike other cities, Auckland focuses on the hospitality of the Irish and tries to institute this custom into their week-long celebration. If you can’t be in Dublin or Galway for this St Patrick’s Day, the festivities of Auckland will make you feel like you aren’t too far away.