Last Updated on July 1, 2026

Right, so July 10 is a public holiday. That part most people have in the diary. What tends to get missed is the two full weeks built around it, because the Matariki Festival runs from 4 to 19 July this year, the programme is already live, and there is genuinely a lot going on.

Over 100 events across Tāmaki Makaurau. The bulk of them cost nothing.

This is the third year Ngāti Tamaoho have taken the lead as iwi manaaki, working alongside Auckland Council Events, and it is their last. They have gone out on a strong theme. Matariki ki te Rangi puts the focus squarely on the stars, on the knowledge sitting behind them, and on kaitiakitanga, the responsibility that comes with looking up and understanding what you are seeing.

The Three Pou Events

Three anchor events shape the festival, each placed at a point in the maramataka. Free to attend, all three.

Ngā Reo o te Rangi, Auckland Town Hall, July 10

Stan Walker, Troy Kingi and Maisey Rika on the same stage, at the Town Hall, at no cost. That lineup would be notable for a ticketed show. For a free one it is pretty hard to argue with. The concert weaves together waiata, kapa haka and storytelling, and given the venue and the occasion, it will fill up. Sort your spot sooner rather than later.

Hautapu Ceremony, Bastion Point, July 10

Same day, completely different energy. From 5:30am, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei hold the Hautapu ceremony at Takaparawhau. This year carries more weight than usual. Auckland is hosting Hautapu ā Motu, the national Matariki celebration, which means thousands gathering at Bastion Point before sunrise for karakia and reflection. Dress warm. Go anyway.

Te Korakora ki Waihorotiu, Shed 10, July 18

The festival wraps at Queens Wharf with a night put together by Majic Pāora. Strong Māori artist lineup, great venue, and a natural close to what has been a three-year run worth acknowledging.

What Else Is Running

Stardome, Epsom, Until July 31

The immersive show Ngā Whetū o te Tau Hou takes you through the constellation and the traditions around it. Good grounding if Matariki has always felt slightly out of reach. Worth doing before the bigger events rather than after.

Tūhono Light Trail, City Centre

Two kilometres of indigenous light installations running from Elliott Street through Britomart down to Māhuhu ki te Rangi Park. No ticket, no booking. The Harbour Bridge lights up from 6pm each night during the festival, so the waterfront end pays off regardless of what else is planned.

SkyCity Night Market, July 10 and 11

Māori and Pasifika food vendors under the Sky Tower, live performances, 4pm to 10pm. Solid public holiday option if a concert is not the move.

Motat, Western Springs, Until July 19

Two weeks of hands-on activities covering science, technology and arts. Works for kids and adults both, which is not always a given.

Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter

Waterfront setting, music and storytelling, family-friendly throughout. One of the better spots to catch the Harbour Bridge lights in the evening.

Two Weeks, Not Just One Day

The instinct is to plan around the public holiday and call it done. This year that would be underselling it. The programme is structured to offer something across the full fortnight, early mornings, evenings, weekends, weeknights, across different parts of the city. The cost is minimal across almost everything on the list.

Full programme at matarikifestival.org.nz.