We’ve compiled a list of fun things to do this long Matariki weekend and beyond so you don’t have to.
27 June
Whānau Matariki Movie Night
From 5pm
51 Bridge Street, Christchurch
A magical evening celebrating Matariki
Koha entry
27 & 28 June
Kaiapoi Lights
5pm-7pm
71 Charles Street, Kaiapoi
Special lighting displays, lighting installations, glow toys, and projections that will turn the park and path into a beautiful wonderland for people of all ages to visit and enjoy!
27 & 28 June
Matariki at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre
Arts Centre of Christchurch
Worcester Boulevard
Enjoy a variety of events at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre. Work with harakeke and create a whetū (star), enjoy some kapa haka, take a look at the Te Waiatatanga Mai o te Atua The Song of the Gods exhibition, and more.
27-30 June
Tīrama Mai
5pm-10pm
Discover the trail of illuminated artworks, projections, music soundscapes and interactive installations. Tīrama Mai will feature a combo of all-new works and crowd-pleasers from the last couple of years.
28 June
Matariki Kaiapoi
5pm-8pm
Norman Kirk Park, Kaiapoi
An exciting fireworks display, kapa haka, a fantastic selection of kai and market vendors, live music and performers. Free entry.
28 June
New Brighton Matariki Fire, Dance & Drum Circle
From 7pm
Near New Brighton Pier
An evening of fire, dance and music!
28 June
The Tannery’s Matariki Food Market
5pm- 8pm
Live music and food trucks.
28 June
Takapūneke Reserve planting
12.30pm-3pm
Stanley Place, Christchurch
A Matariki day of planting. This is the latest step as part of the Christchurch City Council’s master plan to landscape the reserve. You can also enjoy the sausage sizzle and cuppa council rangers are putting on at 3pm.
28 June – 1 July
Matariki Weekend at Riverside
As the Matariki star cluster illuminates our night sky, head to Riverside Market for a weekend filled with joy, culture, and community spirit. Explore the light display across town and check out a special appearance outside Riverside. Engage with interactive installations, unleash your creativity and listen to live music.
29 June
New Brighton Matariki Market
9am-2pm
78 Brighton Mall, Christchurch
Another year celebrating Matariki in the community with market stalls, good food, good company, live music, kapa haka performance and more.
29 June
Matariki in the Zone
Richmond Community Garden
2.30pm-6.30pm
325 River Road, Christchurch
Activities for kids big and small – wood carving, flax wearing, marshmallow toasting and more.
A hāngi will be raised at 4.30pm and served alongside a boil up.
5 July
Matariki at Phillipstown
4pm-8pm
39 Nursery Road, Christchurch,
Celebrate Matariki and community with a communal hāngī, story telling, ceremony, live music, waiata, food stalls and a night mākete.
6 July
Winter Fireworks Spectacular
5:30pm-8pm
New Brighton Pier
6 & 13 July
Matariki viewing
5.45am until 7am
Argyle Park (off Middle Road), Ashburton
The Ashburton Astronomy group will be setting up scopes for everyone to get a closer look at the Matariki star cluster as it rises back into our eastern sky, signaling a new year.
7 July
Te Pūnaha Matariki
From 8am
South New Brighton Beach
Explore the intersection of Māori knowledge and Matariki traditions through practical strategies and cultural insights.
