Who says winter is for staying indoors?
Since 2017, Friends of Hamilton Gardens, in collaboration Te Ohu Whakaita Trust, have been proving otherwise with their annual Matariki Ki Waikato Kite Day—a celebration that transforms the crisp winter air into a spectacle of colourful kites.
In 2024, the skies above Turtle Lake Hill shimmered with colour and whaanau spirit. With over 1,300 attendees, the event echoed with tamariki laughter, fluttering kites, and shared stories beneath the Matariki stars. And now, we're gearing up to do it all again—bigger, brighter, and bolder on Sunday, 13 July 2025!
What to Expect in 2025:
🪁 Karakia and mihi whakatau to open the day
🪁 Free kites for the first 600 tamariki (Plus iconic Peter Lyn paper kites and traditional manu tukutuku)
🪁 Live demonstrations and hands-on help from expert volunteers
🪁 Wholesome kai, sizzling sausages, and storytelling spaces
🪁 A celebration that brings locals, out-of-towners together under the banner of Matariki
This is a chance to reconnect with Matariki stars, and each other.
Whether you’re a seasoned kite-flyer or just curious to try, there’s a place for everyone on Turtle Lake hillside.
Save the date, bring your coat, your whaanau, and your awesomeness.�Let’s lift our kites—and our spirits—together. Maanawatia a Matariki!
Sunday 13 July 2025�Turtle Lake Hill, Hamilton Gardens�
Free, whaanau-friendly Matariki event
With MCs Maria Huata and Mark Ruka.
