Celebrate Matariki in Tauranga

✨✨✨ Celebrate Matariki in Tauranga – Stars, Storytelling & Soulful Connections ✨✨✨

This winter, as the Matariki stars rise over the harbour, Aotearoa comes together to celebrate the Māori New Year — a time to reflect on the past, honour the present, and welcome fresh beginnings.

From the waterfront of Wanderlust NZ here in Tauranga, you’re in the perfect spot to take in the magic of this cultural season. The 2025 national theme, Matariki mā Puanga – Celebrating Together, highlights unity across iwi, who observe the Māori New Year through different stars like Matariki (Pleiades) and Puanga (Rigel) — both guiding lights that remind us to pause, remember, and plan ahead.

Locally, Tauranga Moana’s focus is Waipuna-ā-rangi, a star in the Matariki cluster connected to rain and water. She symbolises renewal and the life-giving force of nature — the rivers, the sea, and the sky that nourish us all 🌧️🌊🌱

Here’s what you can experience while staying in Tauranga this Matariki:

🌌 Matariki Sculpture Trail
📅 Monday 9 – Monday 23 June
Wander through Tauranga’s CBD and Mount Maunganui to explore augmented reality sculptures inspired by Māori cosmology and the celestial beauty of Waipuna-ā-rangi.
📍 Masonic Park/Wharf Street (CBD) & Te Papa o ngā Manu Porotakataka (Mount)

🎶 Kapa Haka Performances
📅 Friday 13 June & Tuesday 17 June
Enjoy powerful lunchtime kapa haka performances by Te Kura o Manunui and University of Waikato students.
📍 Tauranga Waterfront & Waihīrere (Red Square)

🌄 Matariki Maumaharatanga – Dawn Ceremony on Mauao
📅 Friday 20 June, 6–8am
An emotional sunrise remembrance ceremony atop Mauao, honouring loved ones who have passed. Take part in this moving tribute beneath the stars.

🌊 Salty Solstice Dip &🎨 Matariki Market
📅 Saturday 21 June
Take a bold midwinter plunge! This refreshing ocean swim is all about embracing vitality, life, and the turning of the seasons.Enjoy a vibrant Matariki market with local crafts and kai (food) from Little Big Markets

Sand Art Workshops & Silent Disco
📅 Sunday 22 June
Groove to a free silent disco at Mount Main Beach, Don’t miss the Sand Art Workshops hosted by Rake Healing on the beach.

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Whether you're soaking up the sunrise, diving into icy waters, or dancing under the stars — Matariki in Tauranga offers the perfect mix of culture, nature, and connection Check out Bay of Plenty Tourism for more events.

✨✨✨ Stay with us at Wanderlust NZ – your harbourfront base to experience the soul of Matariki ✨✨✨