Matariki 2026 Events Guide: Free light shows, markets and experiences across NZ

Matariki is here, and across Aotearoa there are plenty of ways to come together, celebrate and soak up the magic of the Māori New Year.

From glowing light trails and drone displays to kai, kapa haka, workshops and whānau-friendly events, communities around the country are bringing Matariki to life with experiences that honour the past, celebrate the present and look ahead to the future.

Whether you’re heading out with the whānau, catching up with mates or keen to learn more about the meaning behind Matariki, there’s something happening near you.

Here are heaps of free (or incredibly cheap) events happening around the motu this Matariki!

Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland

Tūhono Light Trail | Saturday, 18 July | Te Tōangaroa, Auckland City Centre

Matariki is set to light up central Auckland, with Te Tōangaroa transformed into a glowing trail of art, storytelling and connection. Created by whānau artists and ahi kā of Tāmaki Makaurau, the installations celebrate the creativity and identity of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, including a waka-inspired sculpture and light displays.

Price: Free

Matariki Night Markets | Friday 10 & Saturday 11 July | SkyCity

Head to the Matariki night markets from 4-10pm, feast from a lineup of Māori and Pasifika food vendors serving flavours from across Aotearoa and the Pacific. You can also browse stalls from local Māori businesses, watch live entertainment and workshops from Māori artists and performers, and local kapa haka groups.

Entry: Free

 Matariki night market and performances | Friday, 10 July | Lake House Arts, Takapuna

Celebrate Matariki with a free community event packed with live entertainment, kapa haka, Māori and Pasifika food, local market stalls and hands-on workshops.

Entry: Free

 Vector Lights for Matariki | Now - Sunday, 19 July | Auckland Harbour Bridge

Watch the Auckland Harbour Bridge light up for Matariki with a special Vector Lights display created by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. The free light and sound show runs every night from the 4th-19th July between 6pm and midnight.

Price: Free

Te Ara Rama Light Trail | Wednesday, 15 July - Saturday 18 July | Glen Innes, Auckland

Celebrate Matariki at the much-loved, free Te Ara Rama, where a glowing light trail, illuminated artworks, music, karakia and waiata bring the nine stars of Matariki to life. The four-night event wraps up with a fireworks finale celebrating remembrance, gratitude and hope.

Entry: Free

Pēwhairangi - Bay of Islands & Far North

Matariki Open Day | Sunday, 12 July | Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Celebrate Puanga Matariki at Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a special open day from 9am-5pm. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, cultural performances and a fun Matariki Rapuhia/Seek ’n’ Find activity for tamariki.

Price: Koha (pay what you can afford)

 Matariki Twilight Ride | Saturday, 11 July | Waitangi Mountain Bike Park

Celebrate Matariki at the Waitangi Mountain Bike Hub with a magical evening of lights, bikes, kai and community. Decorate your bike, join a 30-minute family-friendly twilight ride, enjoy live music, hot drinks, stargazing and more!

If you’re not into biking, the hub will be buzzing for you to join in and soak up the atmosphere.

Price: Free (including bike hire, if required - first in, first served) 

Matariki for families in Puketi Forest | Thursday, 9 July | Puketi Forest Headquarters

Enjoy guided forest walks, stories of Tāne Mahuta and Matariki, campfires, marshmallows, kai and a Kauri VR experience while connecting with nature and reflecting on the year gone by.

Price: Free

Kirikiriroa - Hamilton 

Multicultural Tree Planting | Saturday, 18 July | Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park

Join the community between 10:30am and 1:30pm for a day of tree planting, fostering a connection with the whenua (land).

Price: Free

Matariki at the Museum | Friday, 10 July | Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

The museum comes alive with a full day of free and ticketed activities for all ages. 

Entry: Free

Matariki Concert | Friday, 10 July | Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

Enjoy two performances on the Marae Atea, featuring orchestral and taonga pūoro sounds, Matariki stories, and a powerful kapa haka performance from Te Haona Kaha.

Entry: Free

Maanawatia a Matariki | Friday 10 July | Innes Common, Hamilton Lake

Gather with whānau and friends between 3-7pm to celebrate the Māori New Year with live performances, kai, markets, kids’ activities, entertainment and a laser show finale.

Entry: Free

Tauranga Moana - Tauranga

matARiki Sculpture Trail | Now - Saturday, 18 July | Downtown Tauranga & Mount Mainstreet

Step into an immersive augmented reality experience and explore the stories of Ururangi through a unique sculpture trail celebrating the spirit of Matariki.

Price: Free

Matariki Star Trail | Now - Friday, 10 July | Downtown Tauranga

Walk along the trail between 8am and 9pm to find the whetū (stars) of Matariki!

Price: Free

 The Little Big Market x Matariki Special | Friday, 10 July | Coronation Park

A market of live music, hands-on weaving and poi workshops, creative whānau activities, and a special space to reflect, remember, and connect.

Entry: Free

Matariki Light Up The Waterway | Friday, 10 July | Te Ara ō Wairākei

The Pāpāmoa waterways will come alive with light, creating a stunning experience for whānau and friends to enjoy together.

Price: Free

Rotorua

Matariki Drone Show & Night Market | Thursday, 9 July | Rotorua Lakefront

Experience the largest drone fleet ever flown by Aronui, with 550 drones combining light, sound, storytelling and mātauranga Māori.

Entry: Free

Te Pō Kitakita Matariki | Thursday, 9 July | The Arts Village

An evening of toi (art), creativity, music and whānau connection. Enjoy Māori art activities, live music, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences including poi, raukura making and uku printing.

Price: Unknown

Matariki Whānau Day | Friday, 10 July | Te Puia

Explore art, crafts, kākahu and taonga while enjoying cultural performances, traditional games, tamariki activities, live demonstrations of weaving and carving, and a scenic train ride through the valley past Pōhutu Geyser.

Price: Adults ($5 + booking fee), tamariki aged 0-16 (Free + ticket required)

Te Whanganui-a-Tara - Wellington

Matariki Ahi Kā | Thursday, 9 July – Sunday 12 July | Wellington Waterfront

An immersive walk-through celebration featuring fire, projections, performances and nightly ceremonies honouring those who have passed. Enjoy live music and kai with friends and whānau along the waterfront.

Price: Free

Matariki whānau day | Friday, 10 July | Te Papa Museum

Celebrate Matariki with free whānau-friendly activities exploring Māori and Pacific navigation, including waka hourua stories, star compass learning, cultural workshops, Matariki-inspired face painting and a Te Papa taonga trail.

Price: Free

Ōtautahi - Christchurch

Kihikihi - He Kūaha Whetū | Now - Sunday, 12 July | Cloisters Studio, The Arts Centre

Step into a mesmerising video installation by multidisciplinary artist Jamie Berry. Using the kihikihi (cicada) as a symbol of time, renewal and endurance.

Price: Free

Celebrate Matariki at the Gallery | Now - Saturday, 11 July | Christchurch Art Gallery 

A Matariki celebration packed with workshops, performances, science, kōrero and hands-on whānau-friendly activities. From live music and poetry to weaving, night-sky talks, films and storytelling, there’s plenty to explore

Price: Free

Matariki Food Market | Friday, 10 July | The Tannery

The Tannery's annual Matariki Food Market is back, from 5-8pm enjoy food trucks, live music, great kai and plenty of opportunities to connect with whānau and friends.

Entry: Free

Kapa Haka - Ngā Toi o Te Rangi | Sunday, 12 July | The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora

Watch and hear local rōpū Ngā Toi o Te Rangi celebrate being Māori, whānau, tikanga and reo, and join in with a waiata or two and some actions.

Price: $5 - $10

Tāhuna - Queenstown

Matariki Market | Saturday, 11 July | Country Lane Queenstown

Enjoy a day of exploring a market packed with local makers, artisan stalls, kai from food trucks, live music, Māori wood and stone carving demonstrations, and kapa haka performances from local tamariki.

Entry: Free

Wanaka 

Wānaka’s Matariki Celebrations | Friday, 10 July | Dinosaur Park, Wanaka Waterfront

An evening of culture, kai and connection with free tamariki and rangatahi activities, kapa haka, local Māori storytelling, weaving workshops, community waiata, bonfires, a giant bubble show and a delicious hangi from 5pm.

Entry: Free

Ōtepoti - Dunedin

Matariki mā Puaka Drone Show | Friday, 10 July | Forsyth Barr Stadium

Celebrate the Māori New Year with a free winter festival featuring two large-scale drone light shows, live music from Tiki Taane, immersive light installations, kai, workshops and whānau-friendly activities. 

Price: Free

Puaka Matariki Mural Painting | Now - Friday, 10 July | Forsyth Barr Stadium

Watch a large-scale public mural come to life at Forsyth Barr Stadium as artists Swift Mantis and Ephraim Russell create Matariki Messenger - celebrating te ao Māori, creativity and connection.

Price: Free

So grab your whānau and get amongst it - Matariki is a time to connect, reflect and celebrate the stories, people and places that make Aotearoa special.

Heading image sourced via Wellington City Council.