Where You Can Celebrate Matariki 2025
As the stars of Matariki begin to rise in our skies, New Zealand prepares to celebrate the Māori New Year with a vibrant tapestry of events and festivities. Matariki, a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration, offers a unique opportunity to connect with the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa. This year, the celebrations promise to be more enchanting than ever, with a diverse array of events taking place across the country.
Christchurch: The Arts Centre Observatory Tower
Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre and the University of Canterbury welcome you and your whānau to join a short 30-minute stargazing experience in the heart of the city to view the Southern Sky.
Price: $5 to $10 bookings essential.
Info event here: https://ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/whats-on/event/matariki-2025-heritage-stargazing-at-the-observatory-tower
Celebrating Matariki at the lantern and light festival in Whangārei’s 2024 Town Basin.
Whangarei: Puana Matariki Festival
The Puanga Matariki Festival is a special celebration with a series of cultural events happening within the Whangārei District for people to come and celebrate together.
This year's festival will be held between 27 May to 24 June 2025.
Get the family together! Events include Manu Raupō (Kite Making), art exhibitions, dance performances, outdoor markets and more.
Full list of events, visit wdc.govt.nz
Photo credit: Luke Foley-Martin
Auckland: Matariki Festival
The Matariki Festival in Auckland is a vibrant celebration of Māori culture and heritage, marking the Māori New Year. It promises a rich tapestry of activities celebrating the present with kai, kōrero, ceremony and entertainment.
This community-centered event encourages participation from individuals of all ages and backgrounds, fostering connection and understanding. By embracing the spirit of Matariki, the festival reminds us of the importance of reflection, renewal, and celebrating new beginnings. Whether you're an Auckland resident or a visitor, the Matariki Festival offers a meaningful experience that enriches the soul and deepens your connection to the land and its people.
For more info and list of events, visit matarikifestival.org.nz
Last year's Aronui Arts Festival Matariki drone show at the Rotorua lakefront. Photo / Andrew Warner
Rotorua: Drone Show Rotorua lakefront
A spectacular Matariki drone show that drew tens of thousands of visitors to the Rotorua lakefront last year is making a comeback in 2025. The Aronui Arts Festival is gearing up to launch a brand new drone show this Matariki on June 19 and 20. This free outdoor experience promises an enchanting display at no cost, where attendees can witness hundreds of drones creating captivating narratives across the night sky. The show will feature a beautiful fusion of light, sound, and storytelling crafted by Ngāti Whakaue and Te Arawa artists. The performance is scheduled to commence at 8 PM on both evenings.
Tauranga: Matariki Sculpture trail:
"Waipuna-ā-Rangi: A Starlit Journey" is an augmented reality exhibition that takes visitors on a celestial journey, guided by the star Waipuna-ā-Rangi. It explores Māori cosmology and contemporary digital Māori art, showcasing how technology can transform cultural expression. The exhibition features digital sculptures and tapestries that blend ancient traditions with modern innovation, focusing on themes of identity, heritage, and interconnectedness. Visitors can engage with interactive experiences that invite participation in the art-making process. Through breathtaking visuals, attendees are transported to celestial realms, discovering the profound significance of Waipuna-ā-Rangi as a symbol of new life and renewal.
For more info, visit matARiki Sculpture Trail 2025
