Mānawatia a Matariki! With the Matariki constellation making its way in the sky this July, there is plenty of fun to be had down on the ground.
Auckland
As part of the Matariki celebrations, Auckland Live is hosting a range of free family-friendly festivities.
Tūmara
8th – 21st July 2026
For the wanderers amongst Auckland, make your way to Queen Street! Tūmara will be hosted from the 8th to the 21st of July, every day starting at 8 a.m. A spectacular series of free-standing light installations leads viewers from the original shoreline to the town hall. This light show is a free, open invitation event; no need to book- just come as you are and enjoy!
Taurima
8th – 21st July 2026
Another event for the wanderers of Auckland, make your way to Elliot Street to see a beautiful pātaka (storehouse) installation to honour the history of the area. Taurima in particular celebrates places and resources of kai (food) and sustenance for the land. This event is another open invitation event for the family to enjoy.
Matariki City Centre Installations
15th – 21st July 2026.
Whether you are looking for somewhere to pause and reflect this Matariki, or admire an enriching collection of artwork, the Matariki City Centre Installations have been scattered across Auckland. Discover artworks across Auckland city from the Strand Arcade to Central City Library, Vulcan Lane and the Waitemata Plaza. There are many free installations to enjoy.
- Rā – Vulcan Lane comes alive with light and sound celebrating te rā, the sun. A joyful, energising experience right in the heart of the city.
- Reo Haukura – A glowing light work on Lorne Street celebrating te reo Māori, responding to the sculpture outside the Central Library.
- Mana Wahine – Keep an eye out for Wiremu Barriball’s stunning moko kauae flag designs along The Strand, celebrating the mana of wāhine.
For further details of the Matariki City Centre Installations, click here.
Are Atoms Alive?
July 10th – August 2nd
A dazzling visual projection journey awaits visitors at Aotea Square this Matariki. This 7-minute film project takes audiences on an adventure to journey through the sparkling expanse of galaxies to the depths of the cells within our own bodies. This special Matariki event encourages audiences to explore all that is around us and within.
ARawhetū
8th – 19th July 2026
If you enjoy a nice walk with the family, ARawhetū is an event that can’t be missed this Matariki! Stretching from Aotea Square through to Myers Park, ARawhetū is an immersive augmented reality tour that guides families on a spectacular trail of Auckland, all from the convenience of your own phone. Set your own pace, and enjoy this digital and natural wonderland, designed by Kereama Taepa and a team of 10 artists to be a visual explosion of amazement.
Matariki Taimoana
Saturday 11th July
Silo Park is hosting a spectacle of celebrations that the whole family can enjoy. On Saturday the 11th of July, from 12 pm – 5 pm, enjoy a full performance schedule of DJs and live music for some fun beats, along with storytellers, art shows, and activities appropriate for all ages.
He Ara Hīkoi
- Wednesday 8th July – 6 pm.
- Saturday 11th July – 5 pm.
- Friday 17th July – 6 pm.
- Sunday 19th July – 5 pm.
For a free guided walking tour, join the He Ara Hīkoi tour that takes audiences from Tōangaroa up Queen Street to Aotea Square, visiting every installation with stories in both te reo Māori and English. Enjoy a brisk walk through Auckland and admire dazzling lights and art along the way. This is a free event, with tickets required to join this amazing tour.
Auckland
New Zealand Maritime Museum is celebrating Matariki with a lineup of free family activities.
Matariki Make Days | Memory Stones
Every Sunday in July – 10 am – 2 pm.
For a free family fun drop-in event, head to the Maritime Museum to create a memory stone in honour of someone special this Matariki. As a celebration of those who have passed on, join this creative space this July. When you have painted your stone, take it home with you or add it to a growing taonga chest filled with memories at the Maritime Museum.
Kaui Whetū – Make Days
10th – 12th July – 10 am – 2 pm.
For another free family fun drop-in event at the Maritime Museum, join the team at the water’s edge to make Kaui whētu. Make your own constellation star and explore the traditional Māori craft of weaving. With no bookings required, this workshop is a great activity for the family.
The Stars of Matariki | Ngā Whetū o Matariki
4th – 19th July – 10 am – 5 pm.
To watch the story of Matariki unfold through the art medium of sand, make your way to the Maritime Museum for this free event. This short film, produced by award-winning artist Marcus Winter, uses Sand to tell the story of Matariki’s stars. Whether you are new or familiar with the story of Matariki, this event tells the story of Matariki in a new, original way, enjoyable for audiences.
See further details of The Stars of Matariki | Ngā Whetū o Matariki here.
Manahua – A Weavers Collective
Saturday 18th July – 10:30 am – 3 pm.
If you are an admirer of arts and crafts, join a Weavers’ Collective at the Maritime Museum. Enjoy watching weaves take shape and spending time with the Manahua Weavers’ Collective. Whether you want to watch, ask questions, or even pull up a chair yourself, this free event is fun for all crafters.
Wellington
For family-friendly Matariki celebrations, head to Te Papa museum to join all the fun!
Manawatia a Matariki
23rd April – 13th July 2026.
Free with Museum Entry, enjoy a Matariki exhibition at Te Papa Museum this Matariki. Whether you enjoy sitting and watching, crafting at activity tables, listening to music or audible guides, there is something for everyone at the Museum this Matariki.
Matariki Specials at Te Papa Cafe
1st – 15th July 2026.
Enjoy seasonal flavours this Matariki at the Te Papa Cafe. This Matariki menu is filled with specials inspired by the flavours of Aotearoa, with differing daily specials inspired by the land, ocean and sky. The Te Papa Cafe is a prime spot for family dining this Matariki celebration.
See further details of Matariki Specials at Te Papa Cafe here.
Matariki Whānau Day
Friday 10th July 2026 – 10 am – 2 pm.
Te Papa is putting on a whole day of Matariki fun for the family this Friday at the Museum. Free with museum entry, Matariki Day will have a plethora of activities and workshops to engage in. From amazing stories, a documentary film screening, star compass navigation, and arts and craft activities, Te Papa is the place to be this Matariki in Wellington.
For audiences wanting an experience based in NZSL, free bookable sessions are available for the same date.
7 July, 2026
