Matariki 2026 is about to take over Auckland with 100+ FREE events

Publish date: Thursday, 9 Jul 2026, 11:50AM

This is tour ultimate guide to what’s on this Matariki long weekend ☆

Matariki is officially here and if you’re in Tāmaki Makaurau, there is no excuse to stay home even if it is peak winter.

Matariki is the Māori New Year, marked by the rising of the Matariki star cluster.As the Matariki Festival website says, this time is all about coming together with whānau to acknowledge the year gone by, plan for the future, and celebrate the present with kai, kōrero, ceremony and entertainment.

The theme for 2026 is “Matariki herenga waka”, all about bringing people together so expect food, lights, music, culture, and plenty of chances to pause and reset for the year ahead.

Click here for other ways to celebrate Matariki if you're not in Auckland.

Here are some of the best events to add to your group chat ASAP including markets, light shows, concerts & more

Immersive & cultural experiences

Ngā Whetū o te Tau Hou

Head to Stardome for a full cosmic deep dive into the Matariki cluster and Māori lunar calendar.

Epsom | Runs until July 31

$13.50–$18.50

ARawhetū (Augmented Reality Trail)

A super cool digital art trail with 10 virtual sculptures representing the Matariki stars — just scan and explore. Aotea Square → Myers Park

on till July 21

Free

He Ara Hīkoi

A guided walking tour connecting all the Matariki installations across the CBD while telling the stories behind them.

Until July 19

Various pricing

Lights, installations & things to wander

Tūhono Light Path

A 2km glowing art trail through the city linking indigenous light installations — basically a must-do night walk.

Elliott St → Māhuhu ki te Rangi Park

Evenings until mid-July

Free

Are Atoms Alive?

A massive visual experience across seven cinema screens in Aotea Square — all about connection, stars and reflection.

July 10 – August 2

Free

Markets & food vibes

Matariki Twilight Markets

Two weekends of food trucks, live music, and stalls in the CBD — with prime views of the Matariki stars.

July 10 + July 25 (4pm–9pm)

Free

SkyCity Matariki Night Markets

Right under the Sky Tower — expect Māori and Pasifika kai, performances, and night market energy.

July 10–11 (4pm–10pm)

Free

Live music & performances

Waiata Anthems in Concert

A full orchestral moment celebrating te reo Māori, featuring Geneva AM, Jordyn with a Why and MOHI.

Auckland Town Hall

July 9

$42–$107

Ngā Reo o te Rangi: Voices of the Stars

A powerful Matariki concert with Stan Walker, Troy Kingi and Maisey Rika — this one will go off.

Auckland Town Hall

July 10

$71–$102

Mahuta Concert

A stacked lineup of Māori artists celebrating indigenous excellence in one big night of live music.

July 18

Tickets TBC

Constellations (theatre)

A Matariki-inspired twist on the global hit play, reimagined through a Māori lens.

Q Theatre

Until July 19

$25–$75

Community & family events

Hautapu ā-Motu (National Ceremony)

Thousands will gather at dawn at Bastion Point to welcome the Māori New Year with karakia and remembrance.

July 10 from 5:30am

Free

Matariki Taimoana (Silo Park)

Live music, storytelling, kai and one of the best spots to watch the Harbour Bridge light up.

July 11

Free

Matariki ki MOTAT

Hands-on activities, science, arts and crafts for the whole whānau.

Until July 19

$10–$19

Matariki Ahunga Nui (Auckland Art Gallery)

A full day of kapa haka, crafts, music and performances celebrating the Matariki stars.

July 10

Free

Wellness & reflection

Matariki Yoga in the Sky

Sunrise yoga 186m up the Sky Tower… yeah, it’s as iconic as it sounds.

July 10–11

$40

Rongoā Workshop

Learn about traditional Māori healing practices — the perfect reset moment for the new year.

July 22

Free (booking required)

Te Hui Ahurei o Matariki

Markets, kai and live entertainment down in Manurewa.

July 10

Free

Join our ZM Close Friends newsletter to be the first to know about concert drops, win free tickets, and more!

We've got your tunes covered this long weekend xo

You up for a trip to LAS VEGAS to see the iHeart Music Festival?

We've got flights, 5 nights' accommodation in Las Vegas, spending money and tickets (for two) to both days of the iHeartRadio Music Festival up for grabs.

To win your way there, keep ZM loud, be the first to call 0800 DIAL ZM (0800 342 596) when you hear the "you up?" then you're in the draw to win an all-expenses-paid trip for two!

Psst, the activators will play every day (including weekends) at: 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.