Events
Matariki is a special time to come together and celebrate with the people around us. There are lots of fun things happening near you - talks, light shows, music, markets and more.
Check out our listings below, visit your local council’s website or Eventfinda. If you’re in Wellington, you can also see what Te Papa have on.
If you’re running a Matariki event, please add it below using the online form and share with everyone.
Check out our listings below, visit your local council’s website or Eventfinda. If you’re in Wellington, you can also see what Te Papa have on.
If you’re running a Matariki event, please add it below using the online form and share with everyone.
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National broadcast of Matariki hautapu - Matariki Herenga Waka
Rā | Date
10/07/2026
Āhea | When
6am - 11am
Ki hea| Where
Online | Broadcast
Te utu | Cost
Free
Tree of Remembrance Mai i te Whenua ki te Rangi
Rā | Date
10/7/2026
-
31/7/2026
Āhea | When
Daily | 9am - 5pm
Ki hea | Where
Nairn Street Cottage
Te utu | Cost
Free
Matariki is a time to remember and honour those who have passed, including ancestors and loved ones. We have created a special place in our heritage garden at Nairn Street Cottage to commemorate with our Mai i te Whenua ki te Rangi Tree of Remembrance, translating to ‘From earth to sky Tree of Remembrance.’
Our Tree of Remembrance is for everyone to come reflect and share a message during this meaningful time. Write your message on colourful star-shaped paper and adorn our tree with your treasured words and memories.
Wellington - Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Matariki Katikati 2026 Dawn Service
Rā | Date
10/7/2026
-
10/7/2026
Āhea | When
6am
Ki hea | Where
Park Rd Reserve
Te utu | Cost
Free
Te Whare o Rahi, Park Road Reserve, Katikati. Honouring Ururangi the whetū/star representing “the winds of the sky” - connected to the weather god Tāwhirimātea.
A time for community to come together to celebrate Matariki. Setting new goals, remembering those who have passed and the sharing of kai.
Enjoy a hot chocolate, hangi and fry bread burger breakfast after the dawn ceremony. All are welcome. Nau mai, haere mai! 6:00am start, please come earlier to secure a spot
Bay of Plenty - Te Moana-a-Toi
Levin Matariki Pool Party
Rā | Date
11/7/2026
-
Āhea | When
3.00pm - 5.00pm
Ki hea | Where
Levin Aquatic Centre, Levin
Te utu | Cost
Normal entry prices
Make a splash this Matariki at our Levin Pool Party. Join us for a fun-filled celebration featuring music, inflatables, and plenty of action on the hydroslide. It’s a relaxed, whānau-friendly way to enjoy the Matariki season together. Bring your togs, gather your friends and whānau, and enjoy an afternoon of summer-in-winter vibes at the pool. Be sure to head along to the Taitoko Night Market afterwards, for some kai and entertainment.
Manawatū - Whanganui
Making Manu (Kite Making)
Rā | Date
11/7/2026
-
11/7/2026
Āhea | When
10:00-14:00
Ki hea | Where
56-58 Herekino Street, Whangārei 0110
Te utu | Cost
Kore Utu
Hihiaua Puanga 2026 Presents: Making Manu (Kite Making) with Alicia Courtney
Participants will be guided to create kites from natural resources. This hands-on workshop celebrates a time-honored practice, transforming native materials into soaring creations that connect Papa and Rangi through flight.
Please register your attendance at Eventbrite: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/making-manu-kite-making-with-alicia-courtney/whangarei
No cost for registration, but Koha is appreciated.
Northland - Te Tai Tokerau
Tamariki Takeover
Rā | Date
11/7/2026
-
11/7/2026
Āhea | When
10am–2pm
Ki hea | Where
Te Waka Huia Wellington Museum
Te utu | Cost
Free
Bring the whole whānau to Wellington Museum for a day packed with creativity, storytelling, play and hands-on fun for all ages.
From activities inspired by the Capital of Kai exhibition to the mīharo of Matariki, make a day of whānau fun for free.
What’s on at Tamariki Takeover:
- A chaotic kaputī party with Fairy Cat and Friends
- Dream Meals collage-making craft
- Tasty Treasure Hunt activity
- Free museum tours created especially for tamariki
- Matariki whetu weaving craft
- Matariki storytime sessions with Moira Wair
Wellington - Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Matariki Together
Rā | Date
12/7/2026
-
12/7/2026
Āhea | When
10am-3pm
Ki hea | Where
Space Place
Te utu | Cost
$5-$10, under 5s FREE
Celebrate Matariki at Space Place. 12 July.
Nau mai haere mai! Matariki is upon us once more, and we invite you to celebrate the New Year with us at Space Place.
This is a time for us to remember and honour our loved ones who have passed, reflect and express gratitude for what we have, and look forward to the year ahead.
Bring your whānau, chosen or extended, for a day of live Matariki star talks in the planetarium, kapa haka from Tīwhanawhana, a whānau craft activity, and storytelling with Moira Wairama.
There are limited tickets available, book now to secure your place.
Sunday 12 July.
Wellington - Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Explore Matariki at the Planetarium
Rā | Date
14/7/2026
-
15/7/2026
Āhea | When
10.00am - 5.00pm
Ki hea | Where
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō
Te utu | Cost
Free - registrations required
Explore Matariki at the Planetarium. Join Spaceward Bound for a unique opportunity to celebrate and learn about Matariki and space inside their portable planetarium. Step beneath the stars and discover the connections between the Matariki cluster, the night sky, and our place within the universe. This immersive experience is a great way for tamariki and whānau to learn together through storytelling and exploration. Registrations are required as spaces are limited - be sure to secure your spot early.
Manawatū - Whanganui
