6 great ways to enjoy a Matawiki this Matariki in Rotorua

Matawiki is a popular play on words, gifted to us by our local Matariki leader Mataia Keepa.

 
Matawiki refers to Matariki being more than the allocated public holiday, but a week (wiki) of Matariki activities.
 
Rotorua is the ideal place to embrace the beauty of what Matariki can bring through a range of amazing events created to connect you and your whānau to each other and to this special time of year while also learning and having fun.
 

1. ARONUI Drone Light Show

Photo by Duncan Wright, courtesy of Ilona McGuire and Fremantle Biennale

Immerse yourself in the magic of the ARONUI Indigenous Arts Festival and First Lights where, for the first time in Rotorua, you’ll see 160 drones gracefully dancing across the night sky, painting images that narrate the profound connection between Matariki and the environment. In collaboration with Rotorua artists, a captivating story unfolds alongside mesmerising taonga pūoro melodies recorded by the talented Jamus Webster. Don’t miss this unforgettable fusion of art, culture and technology under the stars.
 
When: 27 & 28 June, 8pm
Where: Rotorua Lakefront
Cost: FREE entry
 

2. Rotorua Lakefront Night Market

The Rotorua Night Market has been one of the most popular weekly activities for the past decade and this year we’re getting double the dose with TWO night markets. Plus, for Matariki, it’s shifting from its home in the center of town to the $40 million upgraded Rotorua Lakefront. With artisan food trucks, quality locally made and sourced products, and a festival of entertainment, this special experience is the perfect entrée to the main event, the ARONUI Indigenous Arts Festival and First Lights Drone Show.
 
When: 27 & 28 June, from 5pm
Where: Rotorua Lakefront
Cost: FREE entry
 

3. Te Puia Hautapu Ceremony

Illustration: The Nine Stars of Matariki, courtesy of Rebecca Hatch

Te Puia, one of New Zealand’s leading cultural and geothermal experiences, is offering the community a chance to experience a Matariki Hautapu Ceremony. This traditional event takes place mid-winter, when Matariki appears on the eastern horizon in the morning.
 
Formally known as whāngai i te hautapu, hautapu is more commonly used, and means “to feed the stars with a sacred offering”. This is beautiful ceremony is comprised of three main parts: viewing the Matariki cluster, remembering the previous year and our loved ones who’ve passed since the last appearance of Matariki, and an offering of kai to the stars.
 
The ceremony then ends with the rising of the sun.
 
When: 28 June, 4.30am
Where: Te Puia
Cost: $5 per adult (NZ residents); FREE for children up to 16 years old
Click here to book
 

4. Te Puia Family Fun Day

Enjoy a fun day with your whānau, including scenic tram rides through Te Whakarewarewa Valley to see Pōhutu Geyser in action. Take part in pā activities such as tītī tōrea (stick game), poi, haka lessons and hula hoop competitions. Expand your knowledge with Matariki wānanga with NZ Māori Arts & Crafts Institute pou tāhū Te Waata Cribb. See carving, weaving, pōhiri and cultural performances, explore the Matariki taonga market with contemporary Māori artists. Especially for the tamariki, there’s a bouncy castle and kiri tuhi or moko face painting. Feed the whānau delicious kai from Pātaka Kai, Hiakai Café, and market food stalls.
 
When: 28 June, 9am to 3pm
Where: Te Puia
Cost: $5 per adult (NZ residents); FREE for children up to 16 years old
Click here to book
 

5. RailCruising Matariki Daytime Discovery

Embark on an enchanting journey through scenic Rotorua countryside in your own self-drive RailCruiser while hearing the story of Matariki played through speakers in English and te reo Māori. Departing from Ngongotahā Station, your adventure begins as you ascend towards Mamaku Station, with a stop at Tarukenga Station along the way. At Mamaku Station, step into the vintage log cabin to delve deeper into Matariki through a special display. Enjoy a hot drink and biscuit before returning to your rail car for the descent back to Ngongotahā Station.
 
When: 28-30 June, 9am, 11.30am, and 2pm
Cost: $95 per adult; $45 per child (check the website for senior and family rates)
Phone to book: 0800 72 45 74
 

6. RailCruising See the Stars: Matariki After-Dark Tour

Reserve your spot for a special night-time tour travelling through the Rotorua countryside in your own self-drive RailCruiser while hearing the story of Matariki played through speakers in English and te reo Māori. Stop at two stations en route to meet local iwi and hear their personal accounts of history regarding Matariki, see a special display, and enjoy hot drinks and biscuits.
 
When: 28-30 June; 6pm, 8pm, and 10pm
Cost: $120 per adult; $45 per child (check the website for senior and family rates)
Phone to book: 0800 72 45 74