Events to celebrate Matariki in Christchurch

Matariki is a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on the past, celebrate the present and plan for the future. Here's a list of events you can take part in this weekend to mark the Māori New Year.

Tīrama Mai powered by Orion and Connetics

Immerse yourself in the wonder of Matariki at Ōtautahi Christchurch’s annual winter festival of light for its final weekend! Enjoy a stunning display of light and sound that celebrates the Māori New Year and the coming of winter.

Bring your friends and whānau to experience the joy and wonder of Tīrama Mai together. Following last week's wet weather cancellations, don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate Matariki and the beauty of light with us until Saturday 15 July. 

The Garden City Matariki Mākete

Head down to Milton Street Substation this weekend to support over sixty local Christchurch small businesses and craftspeople. Stalls will include Māori artists, face painting, a photo booth, a bar offering beveages such as mulled wine, cider and non-alcoholic drinks, food trucks and more. Plus, take a look through the newly refurbished historical building, special to Christchurch. The Garden City Matariki Mākete will be open from 4pm - 9pm on Friday and 10am - 3pm Saturday. 

While you're checking out the market stalls, make sure to pop over to the Christchurch City Council stand as we find out what matters most to Christchurch residents about their city. With challenging issues and decisions on the horizon, we want to hear from as wide a range of viewpoints as possible to inform the Council's Long Term Plan 2024–2034. At the stand you'll be able to use tokens to show us what matters most to you. Learn more here. 

The Arts Centre Matariki Mākete

Can't make it to the market on Friday or Saturday? Check out The Arts Centre market from 10am to 4pm Sunday at 2 Worcester Boulevard. Experience the beauty and quality of our local artisan-made goods and treasures. Meet the makers and explore what Ōtautahi craftspeople have to offer.

Additional Māori artists and craftspeople, as well as other stallholders, will be showcasing their art and crafts. Learn more here. 

Matariki food market at The Tannery

Gather with friends and whānau to celebrate Matariki under the stars at The Tannery with a variety of local food trucks as well as live music and entertainment. On Friday evening retailers will open late and from 5pm a collection of popular Christchurch food trucks will take up residence outside the atrium!

Food trucks include Smoke n Barrel, The Vagabond Chefs, Tiki Taco, Empire Chicken, El Quincho and more. Head down to the Tannery for this free evening from 5pm – 8pm.  

Dr Clare Worley Astronomy Lecture

Gather at The Arts Centre from 5:30pm – 6:30pm on Thursday for an evening to learn about the Matariki star cluster. Matariki is one of the most distinctive features in our night sky and has been observed around the world since ancient times.

University of Canterbury Senior Lecturer Dr C. Clare Worley will present for the evening. Dr Worley is a researcher in the field of Galactic Archeology which seeks to unravel the evolutionary history of the Milky Way through the chemical distribution of its stellar populations. Learn more about this free event here.

Matariki in the Zone

Join Avebury House, Richmond Community Garden and Avon-Ōtākaro Network as they host an accessible, welcoming, winter event highlighting the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. From 2:30pm on Saturday, enjoy live music, wood carving, flax weaving, marshmallow toasting and more! A delicious hāngi will be raised at 4:30pm, served alongside a boil-up, vegetable soup, fried bread, hot chocolate and booze-free mulled wine. Matariki in the Zone will be held at Riverlution Eco Hub, 46a Vogel Street.

While you're checking out this winter event, make sure to pop over to the Christchurch City Council stand as we find out what matters most to Christchurch residents about their city. With challenging issues and decisions on the horizon, we want to hear from as wide a range of viewpoints as possible to inform the Council's Long Term Plan 2024–2034. At the stand you'll be able to use tokens to show us what matters most to you. Learn more here. 

Kapa Haka Showcase

Bring the whole whānau to enjoy a showcase of this ancient and living, Māori cultural performing artform featuring local Kapa Haka groups. Come watch and hear these rōpū celebrate being Māori, whānau, tikanga and reo, and join in with a waiata or two and some actions.

This event will take place from 1pm – 2pm on Sunday at The Arts Centre Great Hall. Grab a ticket from just $5.