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Bay of Islands
What? – Story-telling, cultural experiences, Matariki-inspired feasts, music, family fun, and some of the best star-gazing opportunities in the land!
When? – Saturday 14th June to Saturday 28th June
Where? – Pēwhairangi / Bay of Island
Auckland
What? – Experience Matariki at MOTAT with stunning digital art by Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho, hands-on activities to take home, a Matariki stamp trail, and heritage trams adorned with ngā Haki o Matariki.
When? – Friday 20th June to Sunday 13th July – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where? – MOTAT, Western Springs.
What? – Celebrate Matariki with kapa haka, waiata, kite making, carving and weaving activations, live art, and mana whenua storytelling—fun and inspiring experiences for the whole whānau!
When? – Friday 20th June – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where? – Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa.
Hamilton
What? – Family-friendly evening filled with live music, entertainment, food, markets and more!
When? – Friday 20th June – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where? – Innes Common.
Coromandel
What? – Enjoy a Hāngī, live concert, hands-on workshops, and welcome the Matariki stars with sunrise kite flying and star viewing.
When? – Friday 20th June to Sunday 22nd June.
Where? – Williamson Park, Memorial Hall and Onemana Beach, Whangamata.
Bay of Plenty
What? – Celebrate Matariki with a vibrant day of culture, music, kai, and community connection. This annual whānau-friendly event brings Te Puke together to honour the Māori New Year.
When? – Friday 20th June – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where? – Jubilee Park, Te Puke.
Gisborne
What? – A giant scale glow-in-the-dark puppet show for tamariki, whānau, and educators celebrating Matariki in a unique and magical way! Larger than life characters delight the senses, including a five-metre taniwha!
When? – Friday 11th July – 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Where? – War Memorial Theatre, Gisborne.
Rotorua
What? – Experience the magic of Matariki at the Rotorua Lakefront with Aronui Arts Festival’s spectacular drone show, returning with a new celestial story for 2025. Enjoy the extended Night Market, live taonga pūoro, and a stunning fusion of tradition and technology.
When? – Thursday 19th & Friday 20th June – 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where? – Rotorua Lakefront.
Taupō
What? – A full day of fun, reflection, and celebration! From dawn to nightfall, enjoy a wide range of whānau-friendly events, creative activities, and community gatherings.
When? – Friday 20th June – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where? – Various venues, Tūrangi.
New Plymouth
What? – Stunning light installations in New Plymouth’s CBD.
When? – 19th to 22nd June – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where? – Huatoki Plaza through to the Coastal Walkway.
Hawkes Bay
What? – Celebrate Matariki at the Hawke’s Bay Racecourse with a vibrant afternoon of kai, culture, and fireworks this Friday 20 June! Enjoy live music, a lively indoor market, traditional Māori healing and artistry, karaoke, and epic evening entertainment
When? – Friday 20th June – 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where? – Hawkes Bay Racecourse, Hastings.
Palmerston North
What? – Enjoy kapa haka, live music, cultural games, craft stalls, delicious kai, and the dazzling StarWalk light display. A celebration of reflection, connection, and looking ahead; fun for the whole whānau!
When? – Friday, 20th June – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where? – Central Energy Trust Arena.
Wellington
What? – Celebrate Matariki the Wellington way with an immersive waterfront experience of fire, projections, performances, and kai. Join the nightly Pōhutukawa & Hiwa-i-te-rangi ceremony to honour loved ones and share hopes for the year ahead.
When? – Thursday 19th June to Sunday 22nd June – 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where? –Wellington Waterfront.
Christchurch
What? – Live performances, food trucks and local artisans under the stars – a celebration of creativity, community and delicious kai.
When? – Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st June – 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (excl. Thursday 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
Where? – Market Square.