Events
Matariki is a time for us to gather and celebrate with those around us, so check out events happening near you. From lectures to light shows, music to markets, there's plenty to get you celebrating Matariki this year.
Want to showcase your Matariki event? Complete the form below and don't forget to tag us @mānawatiaamatariki
on social media for your chance to pick up a spot prize.
Want to showcase your Matariki event? Complete the form below and don't forget to tag us @mānawatiaamatariki
on social media for your chance to pick up a spot prize.
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National broadcast of Matariki hautapu
Rā | Date
20/6/2025
Āhea | When
6am - 11am
Ki hea| Where
Online | Broadcast
Te utu | Cost
Free
Pēwhairangi Bay of Islands Feast Matariki
Rā | Date
18/6/2025
-
29/6/2025
Āhea | When
Various times
Ki hea | Where
Various locations
Te utu | Cost
Various prices
Taste, savour, and devour! Our programme highlights the many incredible food offerings in the region, from community hangi and artisan food producers to inspired fine dining.
These events are not to be missed and some have very limited tickets.
Northland - Te Tai Tokerau
Te Wā Pakiwaitara Whānau
Rā | Date
18/6/2025
-
18/6/2025
Āhea | When
6.00pm - 7.30pm
Ki hea | Where
Oamaru Public Library
Te utu | Cost
Free
A special family Story Time for all ages to gather by lantern light in the library. Stories will be told, songs will be sung, supper will be served. Wear your PJ’s or snuggly clothes and bring your favourite pillow and blanket.
Otago - Ōtākou
Matariki Stories, Snacks and Fort Building Evening at the Library
Rā | Date
18/6/2025
-
18/6/2025
Āhea | When
6pm - 8pm
Ki hea | Where
Invercargill Public Library
Te utu | Cost
Free
Registration Event: Please visit ilibrary.co.nz to book your spot!
Would you love to be in the library after it closes? Do you love stories and fort building? Then this event is perfect for you – a fun evening for families with young children (or grandchildren)!
Bring your whanau and listen to the best stories we have handpicked by our librarians! Then, once the library is closed, make your very own fort and enjoy reading by torchlight together as a family.
Please note that you will need to bring along your own blankets and torches.
Southland - Murihiku
Matariki - Te Kahu o Waipuna
Rā | Date
18/6/2025
-
18/6/2025
Āhea | When
5pm - 7pm
Ki hea | Where
Marlborough Art Gallery, 15 High Street, lenheim Blenheim Marlborough
Te utu | Cost
Free
Bring the whānau along to Te Kahu o Waipuna to celebrate Matariki. Join us for kapa haka, waiata, stories and crafts for the entire family.
The Gallery will have two exhibitions running including a kapa haka photographic exhibition.
Shared kai will be available.
Marlborough - Te Tauihu-o-te-Waka
Matariki Day Out
Rā | Date
18/6/2025
-
18/6/2025
Āhea | When
10.30am - 2pm
Ki hea | Where
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po, 10 Bath St, Levin
Te utu | Cost
Free
Kaumātua and older adults of the Horowhenua are invited to join us for a day out in the Horowhenua to learn about and celebrate Matariki.
This fun trip begins by boarding a free chartered bus at 10.30am at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō to head to Tokomaru Hall.
There will be performances by Tokomaru School students to enjoy followed by a light lunch.
Bookings are essential. Register your interest by emailing info@horowhenua.govt.nz
Manawatū - Whanganui
Te Pō Kitakita - Exhibition of Light
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
20/5/2025
Āhea | When
5pm - 7pm
Ki hea | Where
The Arts Village
Te utu | Cost
Free
Join us at The Arts Village Rotorua on 19–20 June 2025 for a vibrant outdoor light exhibition inspired by Matariki. Celebrate the Māori New Year with stunning light installations, interactive displays, performances, and workshops. Honouring whānau, whenua, and wairua, this free event features local artists, kura, and community groups. Bring your whānau and tamariki for two magical evenings of light, art, and culture under the stars.
Bay of Plenty - Te Moana-a-Toi
Matariki with Ria Hall
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
19/6/2025
Āhea | When
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Ki hea | Where
Auckland Town Hall, Queen Street, Auckland City Centre
Te utu | Cost
$18 - $105
Join us for a magical Matariki celebration as we come together to honour te tau hou Māori with an unforgettable night of music.
Ria Hall, one of New Zealand’s most compelling and thoughtful voices, joins forces with the Auckland Philharmonia to recreate her powerful songs with an epic orchestral soundscape.
Featuring such anthems as ‘They Come Marching’, ‘Te Ahi Kai Pō’ and ‘Black Light’, this will be a beautiful moment to welcome in the Māori New Year.
Auckland - Tāmaki Makaurau
Hākari Below the Stars
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
19/6/2025
Āhea | When
5:00pm – 9:00pm
Ki hea | Where
Space Place, 40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012
Te utu | Cost
$5.50 - $12.50
Nau mai haere mai whānau! Matariki is upon us once more, and we invite you to join us at Space Place’s annual Hākari Below the Stars celebration.
Enjoy live star talks in our planetarium theatre with Space Place’s Colin Smilie, a whānau activity with Tayla Hartemink, kai on offer, and live music throughout the night from Wainuiomata local Jhan Lindsay and friends.
We can’t wait to welcome the indigenous new year with you!
Wellington - Te Whanganui-a-Tara
Matariki Navigators feat L(o)ve & Hope
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
19/6/2025
Āhea | When
7pm
Ki hea | Where
Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023
Te utu | Cost
Free
Matariki Navigators is a virtual journey across the cosmos, from Maungakiekie to the Matariki constellation, with each expedition soundtracked live by contemporary Māori musicians, offering a truly unique multi-sensory experience.
In this inaugural Matariki Navigators event, we present an Aotearoa supergroup performing together for the very first time; the award-winning songwriting super combination of Mara TK, Troy Kingi and Mark Vanilau as L(o)ve & Hope.
Auckland - Tāmaki Makaurau
Matariki Whangamatā
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
21/6/2025
Āhea | When
9am
Ki hea | Where
Williamson Park and Whangamatā Memorial Hall
Te utu | Cost
$10 per hāngī ticket
Celebrate Matariki in Whangamatā with four days of community, culture, and connection. Join hāngī prep on Thursday at the Memorial Hall. On Friday, see the hāngī fire lit at dawn in Williamson Park and enjoy free hands-on workshops, followed by a community concert and shared hāngī. Saturday continues with more workshops. On Sunday, welcome the new year with a Matariki viewing, kite flying, and sunrise at Onemana Beach, then join Waka Ama in the afternoon. Nau mai, haere mai!
Waikato
Aronui Matariki Drone Show
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
20/6/2025
Āhea | When
Night Markets 5pm | Drone Show 8pm
Ki hea | Where
Rotorua Lakefront | Kouramāwhitiwhiti
Te utu | Cost
FREE
Aronui Arts Festival delivered the world’s first Matariki Drone Show in 2024, and in 2025 Aronui will bring a new celestial narrative and extended Night Market to the Rotorua Lakefront during the Matariki long weekend.
Last year, more than 30,000 locals and visitors witnessed the innovative performance commemorating and celebrating the Māori New Year. The choreographed drones will move to a unique soundscape of taonga puoro, karakia and narration.
The free drone shows will kick off at 8pm on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 June. The Rotorua Night Market runs from 5pm until 9pm both nights.
Bay of Plenty - Te Moana-a-Toi
Puaka Matariki Iwikatea
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
19/6/2025
Āhea | When
10am
Ki hea | Where
Te Pou Ō Mata-Au
Te utu | Cost
Free
This is the second Annual Matariki Event in Balclutha organised by the Puaka Matariki Iwikatea Komiti.
This includes a day show (Karaka te ao) from 10am-2.30pm, Māori themed workshops from 3-5pm and a night show (Karaka te po) from 5.30-8pm
Otago - Ōtākou
Kāhui Whetū
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
19/6/2025
Āhea | When
5pm - 9pm
Ki hea | Where
Gore Public Garden
Te utu | Cost
Free
Join us at Kāhui Whetū as we celebrate the Māori New Year!
See the Gore Gardens transform as we illuminate them with a sparkling light display for Matariki. Make sure you wrap up cosy and warm, as this winter event takes full advantage of those dark, crisp and early nights.
From 5:00pm to 9:00pm, enjoy live waiata, a wide variety of delicious kai from food vendors, and treat the whānau to neon face painting, UV light art, and a range of fun, family-friendly activities.
Southland - Murihiku
The Stargazer
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
27/6/2025
Āhea | When
6:30pm - 11:00pm
Ki hea | Where
Dunedin Railway Station
Te utu | Cost
$269
Hop aboard for two exclusive evenings of celestial wonder in the Taieri Gorge. Guided by seasoned astronomers from the Dunedin Astronomical Society and interactive activities from Tūhura Otago Museum. 19 and 27 June.
Otago - Ōtākou
Stargazing at Makotukutuku | Cape Wanbrow
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
19/6/2025
Āhea | When
6.30am -7am
Ki hea | Where
Makotukutuku - Cape Wanbrow Lookout
Te utu | Cost
Free
Māori astronomer Damien McNamara who will guide our early morning viewing of the Matariki cluster, Puanga/Puaka and other points of interest. As the dawn breaks, join in with waiata. Please wear extremely warm clothing, sturdy footwear and bring a torch so you can find your way to our assembly point.
Otago - Ōtākou
Matariki Katikati: Reading of the stars
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
19/6/2025
Āhea | When
5pm
Ki hea | Where
Te Rereatukahia Marae, Katikati
Te utu | Cost
Free
Join Katikati locals at Te Rereatukahia Marae on 19 June to celebrate Matariki. An evening of ancestral wisdom, guided star readings, and a magical night sky with no light pollution.
Assemble at Te Rereatukahia Marae gate, Katikati by 5pm.
Bay of Plenty - Te Moana-a-Toi
Matariki mā Puanga
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
19/6/2025
Āhea | When
5am
Ki hea | Where
Whakatane Surf Life Saving Club 6 Mair St, Ohope 3121, New Zealand
Te utu | Cost
Free
🌟 Matariki 2025 🌟
Ka puta a Matariki, ka rere a Whānui ko te tohu o te tau.
Join us as we celebrate the new year with the rising of Matariki. Enjoy karakia, hautapu, kōrero and kaitahi.
This is a time to gather, reflect, and set intentions for the year ahead
Please register for catering purposes
https://www.tpoom.co.nz/matariki-2025
Nō reira, we’re also encouraging you to bring a whakaahua of your loved one kia whai whakaaro ki a rātou.
For more details or to download our Matariki rauemi for this year’s kaupapa visit www.tpoom.co.nz
Nau mai, haere mai - all are welcome!
Bay of Plenty - Te Moana-a-Toi
TSB Festival of Lights: Winter Pop-Up
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
22/6/2025
Āhea | When
5pm - 10pm
Ki hea | Where
Various locations
Te utu | Cost
Free
The TSB Festival of Lights Winter Pop-Up is lighting up New Plymouth’s CBD over the Matariki long weekend, 19-22 June 2025.
2025 will be the fourth year of the event, bringing you an epic line up of captivating light installations and an array of entertainment from live music to pop-up performances - all completely free.
Stroll along the light-filled route from Huatoki Plaza and Puke Ariki Landing to the Coastal Walkway each night between 5pm – 10pm.
Taranaki
Matariki on Karangahape Road
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
21/6/2025
Āhea | When
Various times
Ki hea | Where
Various locations
Te utu | Cost
Free
This Matariki, Karangahape Road invites you to Whāia Te Waiora — a vibrant and deeply grounded Matariki celebration led by our people, for our people.
From Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 June, this three-day celebration will light up the rori with installations, window displays, projections, live performances, music, and more, many free and all created by local artists, community leaders, and businesses.
Hoki atu ki tōu Rori kia purea ai e koe ki ngā tae o te Hapori — Return to your Road to bathe within the colours of community.
Auckland - Tāmaki Makaurau
Puaka Matariki Iwikatea 2025
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
19/6/2025
Āhea | When
11am - 9pm (TBC)
Ki hea | Where
Te Pou Ō Mata-Au (Clutha District War Memorial and Community Centre)
Te utu | Cost
Free
Join us for a magical evening as we celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year, on June 19th 2025.
Come together to welcome the New Year with a day/night full of festivities, performances, and delicious kai (food). This is a family-friendly event, and everyone is welcome!
Otago - Ōtākou
Matariki Mākete
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
21/6/2025
Āhea | When
Various times
Ki hea | Where
Market Square
Te utu | Cost
Free
Join us for a magical evening under the stars as we come together to celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year! ✨
This three-day event in June is not to be missed- a vibrant celebration of toi (art), kai (food), and whanaungatanga (community connection).
Explore over 60 local artisans, enjoy live performances, and treat yourself to the delicious offerings from our food trucks. Immerse yourself in the beauty of culture, support small businesses, and experience the magic of Matariki with us.
Canterbury - Waitaha
Te Putanga mai o Matariki
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
19/6/2025
Āhea | When
5.30am
Ki hea | Where
Donnelly Park, Collingwood & Grenville Sts, Levin
Te utu | Cost
Free
Wrap up warm and bring the whānau down to join Muaūpoko for a hautapu ceremony to welcome in Matariki.
Matariki is a time to remember those who have passed away, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. It is a time to come together. ‘Matariki Hunga Nui – The many people of Matariki’
Manawatū - Whanganui
Tere Talks & Whāriki Matariki Mākete
Rā | Date
19/6/2025
-
19/6/2025
Āhea | When
3.30pm - 8.30pm
Ki hea | Where
Hihiaua Cultural Centre, 56-58 Herekino St, Whangārei
Te utu | Cost
Free
Celebrate Puanga at Hihiaua.
Whāriki Mākete: 3:00PM-7:30PM / Hihiaua Tere Talks: From 5:30PM
Join us for the Whāriki Matariki Mākete for live music, tasty kai and treats, whānau-friendly activities, a line-up of Māori businesses and creatives to support.
In our Tere Talks, where eight local voices will weave together their stories and insights, each contributing their unique perspective to our collective understanding of "E Tu Ngahere."
Northland - Te Tai Tokerau
