Mānawatia a Matariki
Discover a vibrant line-up of Matariki events across Tauranga and the Western Bay, from dawn ceremonies and kapa haka to storytelling, art trails, and community celebrations. Explore the full programme and celebrate the Māori New Year with us.
matARiki Sculpture Trail 2025
Monday 9 - Monday 23 June
Locations:
- Masonic Park/Wharf Street, Tauranga CBD
- Te Papa o ngā Manu Porotakataka, Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
- Western Bay Museum, Katikati
Embark on a celestial journey through augmented reality, exploring Māori cosmology and digital Māori art. Discover stunning sculptures inspired by Waipuna-ā-rangi across three interactive locations.
Matariki at The Incubator
Various dates throughout June
The Incubator Creative Hub
The Historic Village, Tauranga
Celebrate Matariki at The Historic Village with an inspiring line-up of exhibitions, wānanga, live music, and film screenings. Explore clay art, contemporary Māori exhibitions, student showcases, and more—an unmissable celebration of culture and creativity!
Whakatāne Kiwi Trust Night Walks
Fridays and select Thursdays in June
Various locations, Whakatāne
Step into the forest after dark with the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust and discover the hidden wonders of the bush. Learn about efforts to protect our precious kiwi and other native taonga, while keeping an ear out for kiwi and weka calls. Along the way, you’ll spot glow-in-the-dark fungi, nocturnal bugs, and native plant life in a whole new light. Regular walks run every Friday night, with special children’s walks held fortnightly on Thursdays — perfect for curious tamariki.
Matariki ki te Papa - Te Kura o Manunui
Friday 13 June, 12pm-12.30pm
Tauranga Waterfront, Tauranga
Celebrate Matariki with a vibrant lunchtime kapa haka performance from Te Kura o Manunui students, bringing energy, tradition, and connection to Tauranga’s waterfront in the lead-up to the holiday.
Matariki 15th Annual Dawn Viewing
Saturday 29 June, 6am
Te Hō Pā, Bowentown
Celebrate the Māori New Year at the 15th annual Matariki Dawn Viewing in Bowentown. Gather at sunrise for karakia, storytelling, shared kai, and a warm breakfast at Otawhiwhi Marae.
Te Haka a Toi – Mataatua me Tākitimu ki Tauranga
Thursday 19 June
Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui
Experience the power and passion of regional secondary school kapa haka as teams from Mataatua and Tākitimu come together to perform at this biennial celebration of tikanga and talent.
Matariki Celebrations at The Daily
19 & 27 June, 5.30pm-9pm
The Daily Cafe, Te Puke
Join The Daily Cafe for a soulful three-course feast guided by the stars of Matariki. Guests will gather around shared tables to celebrate togetherness, storytelling, and the bounty of the season, with each dish honouring land, sea, and sky.
Reading of the Stars
19 June, 5pm
Assemble at Te Rereatukahia Marae gate, Katikati
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.
Katikati Matariki dawn service
20 June, 5.30am
Park Road Reserve, Katikati
Celebrate Matariki at dawn in Katikati! Learn about the stars’ significance, values, and traditions, with kapa haka, goal setting, and refreshments. Connect with community and embrace the Māori New Year’s spirit.
Matariki Maumaharatanga
Friday, 20 June, 6am-8am
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.
Te Kete Matariki – Te Puke
Friday, 20 June, 10am-4pm
Jubilee Park, Te Puke
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.
Midwinter Solstice
Friday 20 - Sunday 22 June, 6am-10pm
Mount Mainstreet, Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
Celebrate the turning of the season with a three-day event in Mount Maunganui. Embrace Matariki’s themes of reflection and renewal through creative, cultural, and community experiences across Mount Mainstreet.
Te Ara a Matariki Light Trail
Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 June, 6pm-9pm
Ngāpeke Permaculture, Kaiwha Road, Welcome Bay
Explore a magical Matariki-themed trail filled with nature-inspired creations and twinkling lights. Dress warm, wear sturdy shoes, and get creative with glow-in-the-dark or lit-up outfits for a fun, starry night adventure!
Matariki events at Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries
Various dates and locations
Celebrate Matariki with storytelling, workshops, and cultural activities at Tauranga City Libraries. Engage in events that honour Māori traditions and foster community connections.