Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s leading cultural organisations are coming together this Matariki to deliver a region-wide programme of events, experiences and activities that celebrate connection, reflection and wellbeing.
The coordinated programme is a joint initiative of Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), Te Whatu Stardome Observatory and Planetarium, and the Tātaki Auckland Unlimited-operated Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa, and Auckland Zoo.
Running across Auckland Council Events’ annual Matariki Festival season from 4-19 July, the programme features events that form part of the festival, alongside aligned experiences across the region including workshops, storytelling, performances, astronomy experiences, whānau activities and opportunities to connect with this year’s Tāmaki Makaurau regional theme Matariki ki te Rangi (Matariki in the sky).
The collaboration reflects a growing alliance across Auckland’s cultural sector to deliver more connected experiences for Aucklanders and visitors, while strengthening storytelling grounded in Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview) for this Matariki season.
Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor of Auckland, says the alliance demonstrates the value of collaboration across the region’s cultural institutions.
“Matariki is an important time for communities across Tāmaki Makaurau to come together to reflect, celebrate and look ahead. Collectively, our cultural organisations offer a rich and accessible programme for Aucklanders and visitors alike.
“This collaboration also supports council’s direction to encourage greater coordination across the cultural sector, helping organisations share knowledge and resources, strengthen outcomes and create meaningful experiences for our communities.”
Vincent Lipanovich, Director of New Zealand Maritime Museum and Partnerships for Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says the alliance creates opportunities to tell a more connected Tāmaki Makaurau story.
“Each organisation offers something different, from art and history to science, nature and astronomy. Together we bring breadth and depth to the experiences to be enjoyed across the region’s cultural organisations this Matariki.
“Through this programme, we want people to experience the essence of Matariki in ways that are engaging, accessible and grounded in the identity of Tāmaki Makaurau.”
The programme includes both free and ticketed events, with experiences designed for whānau, tamariki, and Tāmaki Makaurau residents and visitors of all ages.
Across the festival period, programme highlights include Matariki – Ngā Whetū o te Tau Hou / The Stars of the New Year at Te Whatu Stardome, an immersive planetarium experience, as well as guided meditation sessions, live music, and self-guided dawn hīkoi to Maungakiekie summit. At the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa, tamariki can build a cardboard waka and take part in an interactive journey exploring the stars of Matariki, Pacific navigation, and the knowledge the night sky holds about life and the natural world.
Matariki at MOTAT will bring together digital wishing-star activities, whetū making, a Matariki stamp trail and an immersive VR experience, alongside a special Weather Science Live Day on 19 July exploring the stars Waipunarangi and Ururangi. On 10 July, Auckland Art Gallery will host Matariki Ahunga Nui, a free whānau-friendly day of performances and craft activities inspired by Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, including kapa haka, a new Matariki contemporary dance work by Taane Mete and his collaborators, indie rock with taonga pūoro by Greatsouth, a waiata singalong and more.
Auckland Museum’s Matariki programme will bring together storytelling, performance, and whānau activities including the launch and reading of Astromancer 3: Ariā and the Monster Island by Witi Ihimaera on 5 July, and performances of Matariki for Tamariki by the New Zealand Dance Company on 10, 11 and 12 July. At Auckland Zoo, Matariki will be celebrated through the July school holiday activities inspired by the star Waitī. This includes a Matariki Community Day with Mai FM and Ōtara Waterways Trust, featuring planting, free community kai, and learning about the importance of freshwater environments. Dinosaur Nights & Lights, a night-time experience, will also be on offer on the Dinosaur Discovery Track where visitors can see animatronic dinosaurs illuminated after dark.
A dedicated webpage featuring more information on the programme is available here.
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About Matariki Festival
In 2026, Ngāti Tamaoho returns for its third and final year as iwi manaaki, working with Ngā Taiopenga o Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Council Events to present Matariki Festival as part of the annual Matariki celebrations across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
About Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, is the largest and most inspiring visual arts experience in New Zealand New Zealand. The Gallery plays a central role in the cultural life of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Aotearoa New Zealand, strengthening and enriching our communities through art and ideas. Its collection and loan collections currently number over 18,000 artworks. To find out more visit aucklandartgallery.com
About Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo cares for wildlife in Aotearoa and around the world, using science, including mātauranga Māori, to protect species from extinction, and to strengthen our human relationship with te taiao – the natural world. As Te Pā Hono – The Place of Connection – the Zoo works closely with its communities toward a future where people and nature flourish together. Auckland Zoo is part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and a proud part of the wider Auckland Council whānau. To find out more visit aucklandzoo.co.nz
About the Museum of Transport and Technology
The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading museum of science, technology, and innovation. Through immersive exhibitions, live demonstrations, and a significant national collection, MOTAT shares the stories of Kiwi ingenuity that have shaped our past, present, and future. Located in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, the museum inspires curiosity and learning by connecting people with the technological advances that influence everyday life. To find out more visit MOTAT.NZ
About New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa
The New Zealand Maritime Museum, part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, is where stories of people and the sea are preserved, shared, and explored. Aotearoa is one of the most maritime nations in the world and the museum houses one of the nation's most important heritage collections, covering the breadth of our relationship with te moana; from the Great Pacific Migration a thousand years ago to the cutting edge of technology and design used in America's Cup and modern yachting. To find out more visit maritimemuseum.co.nz
About Auckland War Memorial Museum
Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of New Zealand's first museums. The Museum tells the story of New Zealand, its place in the Pacific and its people. The Museum is a war memorial for the province of Auckland and holds one of New Zealand's top three heritage libraries. It has pre-eminent Māori and Pacific collections, significant natural history resources and major social and military history collections, as well as decorative arts and pictorial collections. To find out more visit www.aucklandmuseum.com
About Te Whatu Stardome Observatory and Planetarium
Te Whatu Stardome is Auckland's observatory and planetarium and a trusted centre for celestial storytelling, astronomy, mātauranga Māori, and cosmological science. ‘Te Whatu’ links the concept of ‘the eye’ with knowledge and learning, and the cycle of life, death and renewal within the cosmos. Located in Maungakiekie One Tree Hill, it offers fully immersive indoor planetarium shows, telescope viewing, music events and hands-on exhibits. It’s welcoming for all ages and in all weathers. With year-round Māori astronomy shows as well as a winter season of Matariki shows, visitors have an authentic way to connect to the night sky in Aotearoa New Zealand. To find out more visit stardome.org.nz