Get ready for a day of discovery, excitement, and free family fun at the Wetland Day Festival 2026 at Matuku Link, on Sunday 1 February from 10am to 3pm at 111 Bethells Road, Te Henga. From engaging with VR headsets to admiring our resident eels, you’re invited to enjoy games and crafts for the kids as well as guided walks by experts to answer all your nature questions. Stallholders in 2026 include Auckland Zoo, Birds New Zealand, Forest & Bird Waitākere, Arataki Visitor Centre, The Entomological Society, Mountains to Sea, Kauri Rescue, Auckland Council Biodiversity, Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance (PFWRA). There will be home baking, fresh coffee, a barbeque (vegan and non-vegan), and so much more.
As you wander the beautiful boardwalks and restored wetland habitat, you’ll see firsthand how much Matuku Link has changed since its beginnings in 2016, with over eight thousand volunteer hours per year spent restoring and protecting Te Henga Weland and surrounding areas. Learn more about our remarkable birdlife including pāteke (brown teal), spot a secretive pūweto (spotless crake), and if you are very lucky, you might even see our cryptic namesake, the matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern).
There will be an all-day market with gifts, food, art, information, and entertainment. We would love you to join us on this special day. All talks are free and everyone is welcome.
See you there for a fun filled day for the whole whanau!
Also check out other Festivals in Waitakere, Arts events in Waitakere, Kids events & activities in Waitakere.
