Join us for a day of reflection, remembrance, and renewal as we come together to celebrate Matariki – the Māori New Year.
HAUTAPU CEREMONY 4:30am - 7:00am
Our Matariki Hautapu Ceremony, led by Te Rāngai Kawa – Te Tokotoru a Manawakotokoto, who will honour ancestral traditions through a dawn ceremony that reflects on the past, embraces the present, and looks to the future across three distinct phases.
Attendance to our Hautapu Ceremony is free, but tickets are required -
https://events.humanitix.com/matariki-2025-hautapu-ceremony
WHĀNAU DAY 9am - 3pm
In Māori history, after a formal Hautapu ceremony everyone would gather to feast, play games, plan and prep for the year ahead, so we welcome you to join our Whānau Day at Rotowhio Marae.
Tickets are $5 + booking fee per adult and free for tamariki 16 and under -
https://events.humanitix.com/matariki-2025-whanau-day
Matariki Whānau Day Highlights:
Market Stalls: Browse a range of local art and crafts, kākahu, baking, or even book in for a tā moko session with a local artist
Pā Activities: Tītī tōrea (stick games), poi and haka lessons
Live Cultural Performances
Tamariki Fun Zone: Bouncy castle and face painting (kiri tuhi / moko)
NZMACI Demonstrations: Watch our talented artists at work – weaving, wood carving, stone and bone carving
Train Rides around the valley to view Pōhutu Geyser
Our street food market will be serving up delicious kai and inu – including a traditional Hāngī, cooked right here in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.
Also check out other Arts events in Rotorua, Food & Drink events in Rotorua, Fine Arts events in Rotorua.
