Auckland Zoo Matariki

Overview

This year, celebrate Matariki a different way. On Saturday 6 and 13 July, Auckland Zoo will be hosting Matariki-themed activities for the whole whānau, in partnership with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

From 5pm head inside the Zoo's undercover domes and wait for the stars to rise as part of Phantom Studios' Matariki-themed interactive art installation. Enjoy a multitude of activities such as hourly waiata and kapa haka, weaving workshops, craft stalls and impromptu animal encounters. Hāngi dishes (meat or vegetarian) will also be available for purchase with complimentary beer, wine or tea.

Matariki is the Māori name for a cluster of seven stars that appear in a pattern and for many, it signifies the start of the Māori New Year. Many iwi also talk about the Matariki stars as a mother and her six daughters, while others consider it to do with the creation story of Ranginui and Papatūānuku.

The Auckland Zoo Matariki evenings are part of Auckland's 2019 Matariki Festival and Elemental Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information (or to view the hangi menu) visit aucklandzoo.co.nz.