The Eight Best Things to Do for Matariki Festival in Auckland
Celebrate the Māori New Year with street parties, gourmet hangi and illuminated dance-theatre on wheels.
In Māori culture the dawn of a new year aligns with the rise of the Pleiades constellation — otherwise known as Matariki. Appearing late May through June, the constellation was once used for navigation and timing the seasons. Now, it's recognised as a time to honour Aotearoa's Māori identity, to reflect, look forward and connect with friends and whānau. To mark the occasion, every year Auckland Council presents Matariki Festival — a three-week program of events. This year's festivities will run from 30 June – 22 July across Tāmaki Makaurau with film screenings, street festivals, thought-provoking theatre, glow-in-the-dark puppet shows and Māori art workshops.
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EventTe Korakora on Federal
Fri, 20 Jul, 2018
Federal Street, Auckland, Auckland
The Matariki street party returns for its third year.
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EventGourmet Hangi
Sun, 1 Jul, 2018
Auckland Various, Auckland
A modern take on New Zealand’s oldest dish.
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EventTe Waka Huia
Tue, 3 Jul - Sat, 7 Jul 2018
Basement Theatre, Auckland
A theatrical tribute to the victims and families of the 1963 Brynderwyn bus crash.
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EventStellar at Smales Farm 2018
Fri, 13 Jul - Sun, 15 Jul 2018
Smales Farm, North Shore
The commercial park comes alight for this family-friendly event.
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EventMatariki on the Waterfront 2018
Fri, 20 Jul - Sun, 22 Jul 2018
Silo Park, Auckland
The waterfront community space will be transformed with art installations, hearty kai and festive entertainment.
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EventTurama: Matariki Light Trail
Fri, 6 Jul - Mon, 9 Jul 2018
Arataki Visitor Centre, Waitakere
Explore illuminated walkways drawing inspiration from the nine stars of Matariki.
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EventInMotion Matariki
Sat, 21 Jul, 2018
Silo Park, Auckland
A truly lit, all wheels parade in celebration of Māori New Year.
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EventMaumahara Girlie
Tue, 3 Jul - Sat, 7 Jul 2018
Basement Theatre, Auckland
A digital age theatrical approach to colonisation and internalised whakama.