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
Te Pō Kitakita
Rā | Date
9/7/2026
-
Āhea | When
16:00 - 19:30
Ki hea | Where
1240 Hinemaru Street - The Arts Village
Te utu | Cost
Free
Kia hiwa rā! Kia hiwa rā! Join us for this year’s Matariki celebrations at The Arts Village for a pō of toi, creativity, music, and whānau connection. Te Pō Kitakita will bring a vibrant artistic energy to the night through a range of hands-on Māori art activities. Come and: ✨ Learn to use poi ✨ Create your own raukura ✨ Print using uku ✨ Enjoy live music throughout the evening Nau mai, haere mai e te whānau katoa, everyone is welcome. We would love to see you here as we celebrate Matariki 2026 together.
Bay of Plenty - Te Moana-a-Toi
Rā Kiriata Whānau
Rā | Date
9/7/2026
-
Āhea | When
1.00pm - 4.30pm
Ki hea | Where
Manakau Hall, Manakau
Te utu | Cost
Free
Enjoy a relaxed Rā Kiriata Whānau. Bring the whole whānau along for a fun, laid-back day at the movies in Manakau with a special screening of Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Settle in, get comfortable, and enjoy a great Kiwi favourite together on the big screen. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase from the Manakau District Community Association, so you can grab a treat while you watch. A simple, joyful way to spend time together and enjoy a shared whānau experience.
Manawatū - Whanganui
Matariki Lights on Iona
Rā | Date
9/7/2026
-
12/7/2026
Āhea | When
6-9pm
Ki hea | Where
Iona Church, Beach St, Port Chalmers/Kōputai
Te utu | Cost
Koha
The historic Iona Church/Te Whare Karakia Iona o Kōputai/Port Chalmers will be lit up with an array of lights and open for visitors 6-9pm Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th July. The pulpit will be available for any performances in an open-mic style - just show up, with song, poem, prose and share with anyone who might be there!
Otago - Ōtākou
Matariki Night Market
Rā | Date
9/7/2026
-
9/7/2026
Āhea | When
4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ki hea | Where
Timaru CBD, Stafford Street, Timaru
Te utu | Cost
FREE
Wrap up warm and enjoy a magical winter evening in the Timaru CBD as we celebrate Matariki together.
Experience a vibrant mix of multicultural food vendors, artisan craft stalls, live music, kapa haka, and cultural activities.
The Exchange – Heart of Timaru’s CBD, together with the Timaru Artisan Farmers Market, is proud to bring this beloved family event back to the CBD for its sixth year.
Canterbury - Waitaha
Matariki Whakapiri 2026
Rā | Date
9/7/2026
-
9/7/2026
Āhea | When
12:00pm - 6:00pm
Ki hea | Where
Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi 13 Domain Road, Whakatāne
Te utu | Cost
0
Nau mai ki Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. Come along and celebrate Matariki with an afternoon full of kaupapa Māori, waiata, kōrero and so much more.
*Music *Entertainment
*Tamariki Zone *Kapa Haka
*Mirimiri *Taonga Puoro
*Workshops *Pākihi Māori
*Food Stalls
Thursday 9th July 2026
12:00pm - 6:00pm
Bay of Plenty - Te Moana-a-Toi
Celebrate Matariki
Rā | Date
10/7/2026
-
Āhea | When
4:30pm
Ki hea | Where
Stonehenge Aotearoa, 51 Ahiaruhe Road, Ahiaruhe, Carterton 5792
Te utu | Cost
Adult $30, senior $25, 13-18 $10, 5-12 $5, under 5 free.
Experience the magic of Matariki at Stonehenge Aotearoa, celebrating the appearance of the Pleiades star cluster. Discover the ancient legends and significance of Matariki in Māori and Polynesian traditions, and explore the physical nature of these stars. Bookings essential.
Wellington - Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Matariki 2026 - Whānau Day
Rā | Date
10/7/2026
-
Āhea | When
9am - 3pm
Ki hea | Where
Te Puia - 20 Hemo Road, Rotorua
Te utu | Cost
Free for kids, $5 for adults
Celebrate Matariki Whānau Day at Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute In Māori history, after a formal Hautapu ceremony everyone would gather to feast, play games, plan and prep for the year ahead, so we welcome you to join our Whānau Day at Rotowhio Marae. Join us for a day of reflection, remembrance, and renewal as we come together to celebrate Matariki – the Māori New Year. With a line-up of cultural festivities, kai, and games, there’s something for everyone in the whānau. The day kicks off at 9am, with activities running throughout.
Bay of Plenty - Te Moana-a-Toi
Matariki Whānau Day
Rā | Date
10/7/2026
-
10/7/2026
Āhea | When
10:00-14:00
Ki hea | Where
Te Papa
Te utu | Cost
Free
Huia mai ki te whakanui i a Matariki mā ngā ngohe pai mā te whānau, ngā awheawhe me ngā mahi utukore.
Come together to celebrate Matariki with free whānau-friendly activities, workshops, and activities.
Wellington - Te Whanganui-a-Tara
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
Matariki Market 2026
Rā | Date
10/7/2026
-
10/7/2026
Āhea | When
13:00 - 17:00
Ki hea | Where
Pounamu Pathway Māwhera, 43 Tainui Street, Greymouth
Te utu | Cost
$10
Tu Kaha Events are pleased to present the 2026 Matariki Celebration, hosted at the Pounamu Pathway on Tainui Street, Greymouth.
Join us on the 10th of July from 1pm - 5pm for a celebration of Matariki mā Puanga featuring live music, childrens entertainment, food vendors, market stalls, and more. Come share some kai and celebrate this important time of year together.
Adults $10, Children Free
West Coast - Te Tai Poutini
Matariki Twilight Markets
Rā | Date
10/7/2026
-
25/7/2026
Āhea | When
Friday 10 July and Saturday 25 July, from 4pm - 9pm
Ki hea | Where
Māhuhu-ki-te-Rangi Park, Te Tōangaroa, Auckland
Te utu | Cost
Free
As the nights grow longer & the city lights up for Matariki, our Twilight Markets are back and better than ever, with 3 nights over June - July ✨
From loack kai trucks, mahi toi, local craft makers, live entertainment and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
📅Saturday 27 June, Friday 10 July & Saturday 25 July, from 4pm - 9pm
📍Māhuhu ki te Rangi Park
Bring your whānau & friends, dress warm and enjoy a night in the city, full of kai, laughter and music.
Auckland - Tāmaki Makaurau
Hautapu ā Motu
Rā | Date
10/7/2026
-
10/7/2026
Āhea | When
5:30am - 8:00am
Ki hea | Where
Takaparawhau, Bastion Point - 59B Kitemoana Street
Te utu | Cost
Free
Matariki Herenga Waka, Tāmaki Herenga Tangata✨
Kua tata mai te putanga o Matariki. Nau piki mai, tautī mai ki Takaparawhau.
As the stars of Matariki rise, join us for our annual traditional Hautapu ceremony, this years national broadcast — a time to gather, remember those who have passed, and look ahead to the year to come.
This year, under the theme of Matariki Herenga Waka - For Everyone and in partnership with Manatū Taonga, we welcome those from near and far across Tāmaki and Aotearoa to Takaparawhau to share in the celebration of Matariki, and welcome the Māori new year together.
Auckland - Tāmaki Makaurau
Manawatia a Matariki
Rā | Date
10/7/2026
-
10/7/2026
Āhea | When
3pm - 7pm
Ki hea | Where
Hamilton Lake Domain, Ruakiwi Road Hamilton, Waikato Region 3204
Te utu | Cost
Free (registration appreciated)
Experience the energy of Manawatia a Matariki as Hamilton Lake Domain comes alive with music, lights, kapa haka, kai, and entertainment.
Experience the energy of Manawatia a Matariki as Innes Common (Hamilton Lake) comes alive with music, lights, kapa haka, kai, and entertainment for all ages. Set beside the lake under the winter night sky, this vibrant celebration brings people together to enjoy the atmosphere, share time with whaanau and friends, and celebrate Matariki in the heart of the city.
Waikato
Te Huihuinga-o-Matariki Festival
Rā | Date
10/7/2026
-
10/7/2026
Āhea | When
5:00pm - 9:00pm
Ki hea | Where
Saxton Stadium, 142 Saxton Road East, Nelson
Te utu | Cost
FREE
Nelson City Council is hosting, Te Huihuinga-o-Matariki Festival in collaboration with Ngā Iwi e Waru o Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui
The Matariki market will be open from 5pm – 9pm, offering a diverse range of food as well as arts and crafts for sale. Bring your own serveware, drink bottle and reusable bags to reduce waste
Koha (gold coin) entry
Nelson - Whakatū
Matariki at The Clay Shed
Rā | Date
10/7/2026
-
10/7/2026
Āhea | When
10am -1pm
Ki hea | Where
Raglan Old School Arts Centre, 9 Stewart Street
Te utu | Cost
Koha
Matariki is a time to come together. To honour the past and share hopes and intentions for the future. Enjoy painting a matariki pottery piece for you or for someone you care about and enjoy a mug of delicious soup. Pieces ready for collection in two weeks.
A drop-in koha activity for all ages (tamariki must be accompanied by an adult).
10am - 1pm or while stocks last.
Waikato
Matariki mā Puanga hautapu
Rā | Date
10/7/2026
-
10/7/2026
Āhea | When
6.15am
Ki hea | Where
Mākōtukutuku (Cape Wanbrow lookout)
Te utu | Cost
Free
Welcome to all people of the Waitaki.
Te Hā o Maru in partnership with the WDC are privileged to facilitate this year's hautapu to mark the Māori new year, the rising of the Matariki star cluster. Followed by a Matariki breakfast carefully designed around the 4 food stars of Matariki.
Otago - Ōtākou
Matariki at Thames School of Mines
Rā | Date
10/7/2026
-
10/7/2026
Āhea | When
10am - 4pm
Ki hea | Where
Thames School of Mines, 101 Cochrane Street, Thames
Te utu | Cost
$10 School & Museum Guided tour,$5 Mineralogical Museum, Children free
Enjoy a range of whānau activities in our education space, including:
A collaborative community artwork, kite making, leaf rubbing and games.
Face painting for tamariki will also be available. Koha appreciated.
Come and join us for some kai upstairs in the Squash Club 12-2pm.
Remembering the past, celebrate the present and look to the future
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Thames School of Mines
101 Cochrane Street, Thames. Phone: 027 417 0425
"Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori" - "Happy Matariki, the Māori New Year"
Waikato
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 in the Zone 2026
Rā | Date
11/7/2026
-
11/7/2026
Āhea | When
2:30pm–6:30pm
Ki hea | Where
Richmond Community Garden
Te utu | Cost
FREE
ichmond Community Garden, Riverlution, We Are Richmond, Avebury House and the Avon-Ōtākaro Network welcome you to this winter-warming event highlighting Matariki in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.
We’ll mark Matariki and aspects of Maori Tradition with food, music, activities and a week-long star trail to explore before or after sundown!
Enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of cultural activities, followed by a hāngī cooked by the awesome team from Tuahiwi Marae.
Family-Friendly Activities: a range of local community organizations will host activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Canterbury - Waitaha
Matariki Rail Experience
Rā | Date
11/7/2026
-
11/7/2026
Āhea | When
3:30pm - 11:45pm
Ki hea | Where
Great Journeys NZ Train, Christchurch Railway Station, Christchurch
Te utu | Cost
$499.00
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Matariki rail experience, where you’ll travel from Ōtautahi Christchurch to Kaikōura for an evening of stargazing and cultural discovery under Te Waipounamu’s (South Island's) stunning night sky.
Celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year, through an immersive experience featuring expert-led stargazing, historical insights, and the warmth of good company.
Canterbury - Waitaha
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
