The Best Events to Check Out at Matariki Festival 2017

Celebrate the Maori new year with light shows galore, a massive street party and illuminated skateboards.

Sarah Murphy
Published on June 05, 2017

Matariki rises in mid-winter, bringing with it the dawn of the Māori New Year. Literally translated as the 'eyes of god' (mata ariki) or 'little eyes' (mata riki), traditionally the brighter the star cluster, the more plentiful the coming season's harvest.

In recent years Matariki has been more widely celebrated, with more on offer as each year passes. The Matariki Festival is the perfect mid-winter festival to light up the city — throw off those blankets and go and explore the vast array of events on offer.

List

Map

Event
Matariki Dawn Karakia

Sat, 10 Jun, 2017
Tawharanui Regional Park, Auckland

One of the most beautiful ways to welcome in Matariki.

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Event
Manu Aute Kite Day

Sat, 29 Jun, 2019
Auckland Various, Auckland

Connect heaven and earth with this universal tradition.

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Event
Matariki Woven Histories

Sat, 10 Jun - Sun, 2 Jul 2017
Auckland Various, Auckland

High-fashion weaving at its finest.

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Event
Kaporangi Kiriata: Maori Film Season Kia Ora Shorts

Sat, 17 Jun, 2017
Nathan Homestead, Auckland

For all of you film lovers with a short attention span.

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Event
Mokihi Traditional Maori Reed Boat Workshop

Sat, 17 Jun, 2017
Arataki Visitor Centre, Waitakere

Take to the water in style.

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Event
Poropiti: The Prophet

Tue, 20 Jun - Sat, 24 Jun 2017
Basement Theatre, Auckland

A journey through Māori history, from uptopian visions to dystopian realities.

Buy Tickets

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Event
Te Taumata Kapa Haka

Sat, 1 Jul, 2017
The Cloud, Quay Street

Experience some of the country's best kapa haka all in one place.

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Event
Matariki Dawn Planetarium Show

Sat, 10 Jun - Fri, 30 Jun 2017
Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, Auckland

It wouldn't be Matariki without the stars.

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Event
When Sun & Moon Collide

Tue, 20 Jun - Thu, 6 Jul 2017
ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland

Murder, mystery and the moon for Matariki.

Buy Tickets

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Event
The Mooncake and The Kumara

Wed, 28 Jun - Sat, 8 Jul 2017
Q Theatre - Loft, Auckland

A story about history, duty, secrets and the delicate balance needed to grow families.

Buy Tickets

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Event
InMotion Illuminated Bike Parade

Sat, 10 Jun, 2017
The Cloud, Quay Street

Join a pedal-powered bike gang.

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Event
Te Korakora on Federal

Thu, 22 Jun, 2017
Federal Street, Auckland, Auckland

The Matariki-style street party returns.

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