Matariki will be on 10 July this year and marks the rising of the star cluster also known as Pleiades in the winter night sky. This year’s theme of ‘Matariki Herenga Waka’ comes from the proverb ‘Tāmaki Herenga Waka’ which means Tāmaki the gathering place of many canoes’. The deeper meaning of this theme encourages us to connect, include others and celebrate Matariki together.  

Find a Tohu Whenua Matariki event near you. 

Te Tai Tokerau Northland

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds on for an open day on Sunday 12 July and enjoy a full programme of free guided tours and cultural performances. Entry is by koha. You can also book in for the bone carving workshops for rangatahi held onsite on 9 July. From 4-19 July, kids can immerse themselves in Māori culture and astronomy with the Matariki Rapuhia / Seek ‘n’ Find journey around the Treaty Grounds.

Te Waimate Mission

Choose from two special Matariki events at Te Waimate Mission. Skilled artist and weaver, Karel Kaio, is leading a Manu Tututuku Kitemaking Workshop on 4 July. The following Saturday on 11 July you can attend an all-day workshop to make and take home your own pounamu toki. 

More information can be found on the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga website.

Kororipo Heritage Park

Head to the Stone Store and Honey House Cafe for Matariki colouring-in activities, or plant your own ngā puhi gourd seed at the Stone Store. The Honey House Cafe will also offer Matariki specials including a Matariki boil up with doughboys.

Pompallier Mission and Printery

Take the family to Pompallier to discover a clue-laden Matariki star hunt throughout the gardens and cosy up in the gatehouse for regular Matariki storytimes. Head to the Pompallier Facebook page for more details.

Waitaha Canterbury

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre

Celebrate Matariki at Te Matatiki Toi Ora from 4-12 July. You’re spoilt for choice with a wide-ranging programme of performance (irirangi), music and waiata, visual art (toi ataata), kōrero, and whānau friendly activities. The Matariki Mākete on 11-12 July features over 60 local artisans, live performance and delicious food truck bites.  

View the full programme on the Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre website.

Pūtaringamotu Riccarton House & Bush

Bring your little people to a special Matariki story time with songs, facepainting and bubbles on Thursday 9 July. Check out the Riccarton House Facebook page for more information.

Otago

Taieri Gorge Railway

Taieri Gorge Railway is running a special Matariki journey on Thursday 9 July with The Taieri Gorge Stargazer. A gourmet dinner, guided stargazing with Winterstellar and astronomy talks from Tūhura Otago Museum will make this a night to remember. 

See the Dunedin Railway Station website to book tickets.

Arrowtown

Central Otago Rail Trail

Historic Ōamaru 

Ōamaru is offering a wide range of Matariki activities.

• Ōamaru Library is hosting whetū (star) making activities, Matariki Story Times, a pepeha workshop, waiata drop-ins, arts and craft sessions and telescope viewing with local Māori astronomer Damien McNamara.
• The Forrester Gallery hosts Tahu-nui-ā-Raki, a Matariki photographic exhibition and a Matariki holiday programme.
• Other special events include stargazing at Mākotukutuku Cape Wanbrow and indoor astronomy with StarLab, Tūhura Otago Museum’s portable planetarium, at the Ōamaru opera house. 

See the full programme on the Waitaki District Council webpage.  

Te Tai Poutini West Coast

Hokitika

Hokitika has month-long programme of events, experiences and family-friendly activities as Destination Hokitika launches Midwinter Magic throughout July.  Ride on The Train of Lights night ride at Westland Industrial Park or enjoy Puanga Matariki – Light Up Hokitika, on Saturday 11 July. From 6pm to 9pm Weld Street will be illuminated with colourful light installations, accompanied by live entertainment and cultural performances at the Regent Theatre.

See the full programme on the Hokitika Midwinter Magic event calendar.