Your Rotorua Guide to Matariki
Discover Matariki events in Rotorua
Whether you’re planning a night out, a day with the whānau, or simply looking to experience something new, there’s something for everyone in Rotorua this Matawiki.
Matariki Flavours Buffet
Every Thursday & Friday in June
Te Puia
Experience seasonal dishes inspired by Matariki. Each evening is a journey through flavours connected to te taiao (the natural world), guided by the stars of the Matariki cluster – Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Waitī, and Waitā – at Te Puia’s exclusive Pātaka Kai buffet. Bookings recommended.
Tohunga Tūmau Dinner
13 June | 5:30pm
Energy Events Centre
Welcome in Puanga Matariki with an all-indigenous feast prepared by some of NZ’s most renowned Māori chefs. Your five-course menu will be complimented with fine wines from Māori-owned wineries, musicians, and entertainment. Held at Energy Events Centre. Tickets required.
ARONUI Indigenous Arts Festival Drone Shows
19 & 20 June | 8pm
Rotorua Lakefront
Witness a breathtaking Matariki storytelling experience in the night sky above Lake Rotorua. The FREE drone and light shows, presented on two nights, bring mātauranga Māori to life through cutting-edge technology and a mesmerising blend of light, sound, and narration by Ngāti Whakaue/Te Arawa artists.
Rotorua Night Markets at Village Green
19 & 20 June | 5-9pm
Rotorua Lakefront Village Green
Enjoy two fun evening markets with kai, crafts, and culture from past Aronui Māori Market vendors alongside market favourites. Coinciding with the drone show, this is the perfect way to enjoy the Matariki long weekend. FREE entry.
Ngāti Whakaue Hautapu Ceremony
20 June | 4.30am
Rotorua Lakefront
Join this iwi-led, traditional Matariki New Year ceremony held at dawn at Whakatāhuna Ngaru, a special area at the Rotorua Lakefront. FREE to join.
Hautapu Ceremony at Te Puia
20 June | 4.30-7am
Te Puia
Gather at 4.30am for a time of remembrance, reflection and renewal. A deeply spiritual start to Matariki, rooted in tradition and cultural practice. Admission is FREE but registration is required.
Whānau Fun Day at Te Puia
20 June | 9am-3pm
Te Puia
Bring the whānau for a day of interactive fun at Te Puia, with cultural performances, kids’ activities, kai, and more. A joyful celebration of the Māori New Year for all ages. FREE entry for tamariki.
Te Mātahi o te Tau with 1814
21 June | 7pm
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Celebrate Matariki with a powerful night of music and culture, presented by ARONUI Indigenous Arts Festival. Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue and Nikau Grace open with He aha te aha, a tribute to Tā Bom Gillies and the 28th Māori Battalion, followed by 1814, Jordyn with a Why, and R67. Tickets required.
Matariki Glow Show
22 June | 10am
Sir Howard Morrison Centre
Matariki stories come to life with giant puppets, te reo Māori and English storytelling, and themes of whanaungatanga. A magical, educational experience for tamariki and whānau. Admission is FREE but registration is required.
A time for remembrance,
celebrating the present and looking to the future.
This year’s Matariki celebrations in Rotorua are full of music, kai, storytelling and whānau-friendly fun, making the city the place to be to mark te tau hou Māori. Under the theme Matariki mā Puanga, 2025 is all about embracing our diversity and celebrating Matariki together.
Matariki Hunga Nui
Remembrance
Honouring those lost since the last rising of Matariki.
Matariki Ahunga Nui
Celebrating the Present
Gather together to give thanks for what we have.
Matariki Manako Nui
Looking to the Future
Look forward to the promise of a new year.