During the mid-winter months in Aotearoa, a star cluster will appear in the early morning sky which is called Matariki.
The appearance of the 9 whetu (stars) in the Maori calendar signifies a New Year where whanau have the opportunity to honour the past, present, and future.
There are FREE events for everyone (kids, adults, whanau) all around the country to enjoy.
Some events may require registering in advance, so make sure to click on the links to register.
Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland
Auckland has several events running alongside the Matariki Festival, from 7 June to 13 July 2025. Many of these are free for the public.
Early June to mid-July | Tūrama | Auckland City Centre: Stroll through the city to experience a series of stunning light installations that will illuminate Queen Street and its surrounding laneways.
Sunday, 15 June | Matariki ki te Moana | Auckland Waterfront: An opportunity to learn about traditional Māori navigation and paddle a waka hourua (double-hulled canoe) on the Auckland waterfront.
Friday, 20 June (Dawn) | Matariki ki te Maunga | Pukekohe Hill Reserve: Welcome the Matariki stars with a special dawn ceremony. The karakia will be followed by a community breakfast.
Friday, 20 June | Te Hui Ahurei o Matariki (Matariki Festival Day) | Auckland Botanic Gardens: Head here for a full day of whānau-friendly activities. Enjoy kapa haka performances, kite-making, carving demonstrations, and delicious kai.
Thursdays: 19 & 26 June, 3 & 10 July | Matariki Navigators | Stardome Observatory & Planetarium: A virtual journey across the cosmos, from Maungakiekie to the Matariki constellation. Each expedition is soundtracked live by contemporary Māori musicians, offering a truly unique multi-sensory experience.
Pēwhairangi - Bay of Islands & Far North
The Matariki Pēwhairangi Festival will run from Saturday, 14 June to Saturday, 28 June, with numerous free events.
Saturday, 14 June & Friday, 20 June | Matariki Movie Under the Stars | Rawene (14th) & Moerewa (20th): Enjoy free outdoor screenings of 'Coco' (in te reo Māori).
Friday, 20 June (Morning) | Puanga nui o te rangi | Maheatai Reserve, Taipa Point: Experience a traditional hautapu ceremony and hāngī.
Kirikiriroa - Hamilton
Saturday, 14 June | Annual Matariki Multicultural Tree Planting | Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park: Join the community for a day of tree planting, fostering a connection with the whenua (land).
Friday, 20 June & Saturday, 21 June | Matariki Festival: Haa ki Roto, Haa ki Waho | Waikato Museum: Te Whare Taonga o Waikato will host a two-day whānau event that includes family activities, workshops, and kapa haka performances.
Tauranga Moana - Tauranga
The Matariki Tauranga Moana programme features a variety of free events.
Throughout the Festival | matARiki Sculpture Trail | Tauranga: Explore an interactive trail of augmented reality sculptures throughout the city.
Friday, 13 June, 12pm-12:30pm | Matariki ki te Papa - Te Kura o Manunui | Tauranga Waterfront: Celebrate Matariki with a vibrant lunchtime kapa haka performance from Te Kura o Manunui students, bringing energy and tradition to Tauranga's waterfront.
Thursday, 19 June, 5pm | Reading of the Stars | Assemble at Te Rereatukahia Marae gate, Katikati: Join Katikati locals to celebrate Matariki with an evening of ancestral wisdom, guided star readings, and a magical night sky with no light pollution.
Friday, 20 June, 6am-8am | Matariki Maumaharatanga | Mauao Summit, Mount Maunganui: A moving Matariki remembrance atop Mauao. Join whānau pani to honour loved ones who have passed, calling their names into the dawn as they become stars watching over us.
Rotorua
Thursday, 19 June & Friday, 20 June | Aronui Arts Festival Drone Show | Rotorua Lakefront: Witness a breathtaking free drone show telling the stories of Matariki over the lakefront.
Friday, 20 June | Matariki 2025 - Whānau Day at Te Puia | Te Puia: While there is a small booking fee for adults, tamariki (children) are free at this whānau day, which will be filled with market stalls and cultural performances.
Te Whanganui-a-Tara - Wellington
Selected Nights during Ahi Kā | Mana Moana Pōneke | Whairepo Lagoon, Wellington: In the lead-up to and during Matariki Ahi Kā, enjoy a series of indigenous short films projected onto a water screen.
Thursday, 19 June to Sunday, 22 June | Matariki Ahi Kā | Wellington Waterfront: Wellington's waterfront will come alive with this spectacular festival. This immersive, self-guided walking journey will feature fire, captivating projections, live performances, and food stalls.
Ōtautahi - Christchurch
Saturday, 7 June to Sunday, 22 June | Matariki 2025 at The Arts Centre | The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora: A vibrant programme of free events, including live performances, visual art exhibitions, kapa haka, workshops, and a night mākete (market).
Wednesday 18 June to Sunday 22 June | Tīrama Mai | Christchurch City Centre: This festival of light and storytelling will illuminate the city with stunning light installations.
Tāhuna - Queenstown
Thursday, 19 June | Matariki with Mana Tāhuna | Queenstown: Join the community for a night of culture, connection, and kai under the stars with hāngī and live music.
Ōtepoti - Dunedin
Mid-June to Early July | Puaka Matariki Star Trail | Various locations, Dunedin: Follow a star trail around the city, learning about Puaka and Matariki.
Friday, 20 June | Puaka Matariki – Dawn Ceremony & Community Fun Day | Otago Museum: A day of free Matariki celebrations. Explore traditions with crafting stations, mau rākau demonstrations, and special planetarium shows.
