Matariki, Māori New Year, is a wonderful time to pause, reflect with gratitude on the past year, and get ready for the year ahead.
There are so many amazing events happening across the motu, offering great chances to connect with the local community and celebrate together.
We want to encourage our staff and kiritaki to find ways to take part in the celebrations across the country, so we’ve compiled a list of events across Aotearoa New Zealand to help you get started. Click the name of an event you’re interested in to find out more!
This isn’t a complete list, so be sure to check out what’s happening in your local area too. Mānawatia a Matariki – Happy New Year!
Blenheim 🔗 Rangitāne Annual Matariki Gathering
What? – Begin the day with pūtātara, karanga, karakia, and waiata as we honour those who’ve passed, then warm up with a cooked breakfast and hot cuppa. Ngā mihi o te Tau Hou Māori!
When? – Friday 20th June – 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Where? – Wairau Bar, Blenheim.
Nelson 🔗 Te Huihui-o-Matariki
What? – Celebrate Matariki with live performances by Louis Baker, Imani-J, and local kapa haka groups. Enjoy the regional secondary school kapa haka competition and explore the vibrant market!
When? – Friday 20th June – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where? – Trafalgar Centre and Rutherford Park, Nelson.
Kaikōura 🔗 Matariki mā Puanga – Celebrating Together (Various events)
What? – Celebrate Matariki in Kaikōura with a week of special events, including a dawn viewing at The Esplanade, community stargazing at Fyffe House, a fun Star Pāti for tamariki, an evening mākete with guest speaker Rikki Solomon, and more. Whānau-friendly, with something for everyone to enjoy.
When? – Saturday 21st June to Wednesday 25th June.
Where? – Various locations, Kaikōura.
Christchurch 🔗 Matariki Mākete
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.
Timaru 🔗 Matariki Night Market
What? – Wrap up warm and enjoy a fabulous winter evening in the Timaru CBD, as we celebrate Matariki, with multicultural food vendors, craft stalls, live music, kapa haka, fire dancers and a captivating light installation in The Royal Arcade.
When? – Friday 27th June – 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where? – Stafford Street, Timaru.
Dunedin 🔗 Matariki mā Puaka
What? – Enjoy an unmissable drone light show, live performances from 1 Drop Nation, kapa haka by He Waka Kotuia, and the soulful sounds of taoka pūoro; an unforgettable night for all ages.
When? – Saturday 21st June – 3 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where? – Logan Park, Dunedin.
Queenstown 🔗 Matariki with Mana Tāhuna
What? – Join Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust for a night of good kai, powerful performances, and time together as a community.
When? – Thursday 19th June – 5:00 p.m.
Where? – Queenstown Memorial Hall.
Gore 🔗 Kāhui Whetū
What? – Enjoy dazzling light displays, live waiata, tasty kai, neon face painting, UV art, and whānau-friendly fun. Wrap up warm for this free, all-ages winter celebration!
When? – Thursday 19th June – 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Where? – Gore Public Gardens.
Bluff 🔗 Matariki Night Market, Light and Fire Show
What? – Celebrate Matariki with a vibrant Night Market and Fire & Light Show! Enjoy market stalls, food trucks, live music from Don’t Fret and Nolan Henigan, plus a fiery display of poi and illuminated drums.
When? – Saturday 21st June – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where? – Bluff Oyster Festival Site.
Te Anau 🔗 Community Remembrance Evening
What? – Enjoy hot kai (BYO mug & spoon), followed by a lantern lighting ceremony. A free, family-friendly evening of remembrance, reflection, and community connection.
When? – Wednesday 18th June – 6 p.m.
Where? – Fiordland Community Garden, Te Anau.
