Experience Matariki in Mount Maunganui
Experience Matariki in Mount Maunganui — A Journey of Stars, Stories & Celebration ✨✨✨
As the Matariki star cluster rises in our winter skies, it marks a special time in Aotearoa — the Māori New Year. For locals and travellers alike, Matariki is a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect. It’s about remembering those who have passed, celebrating the present with your people, and setting intentions for the future.
This year’s theme, Matariki mā Puanga – Celebrating Together, reminds us that across Aotearoa, iwi (tribes) mark this season in different ways — with Matariki (Pleiades) or Puanga (Rigel) rising. But wherever you are, the focus is on unity, gratitude, and new beginnings.
Here in Tauranga Moana and the Western Bay of Plenty, the regional focus is on Waipuna-ā-rangi — one of the stars in the Matariki cluster. She represents rain and the life-giving waters from the sky that nourish the land and sea. It’s a time to honour nature and the elements that sustain us.
So what can you experience during Matariki while staying in Mount Maunganui?
Matariki Sculpture Trail
Monday 9 - Monday 23 June
Embark on a celestial journey through augmented reality, exploring Māori cosmology and digital Māori art. Discover stunning sculptures inspired by Waipuna-ā-rangi
- Masonic Park/Wharf Street, Tauranga CBD
- Te Papa o ngā Manu Porotakataka, Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
Matariki kapa haka
Enjoy lunchtime Matariki kapa haka performances from Te Kura o Manunui kapa haka and University of Waikato students in the lead up to Matariki.
Friday, 13 June 2025, 12.00pm – 12.30pm and Tuesday, 17 June 2025, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
- Tauranga Waterfront and Waihīrere (Red Square)
Matariki Maumaharatanga
Friday, 20 June, 6am-8am
-Mauao Summit, Mount Maunganui
A moving Matariki remembrance atop Mauao. Join whānau pani to honour loved ones who have passed, calling their names into the dawn as they become stars watching over us, place your hand on Te Tapuātea o Mauao and call out the names of your loved ones (karanga mate). This is a special way to remember those who have passed away and acknowledge them as whetū - stars in the night sky that continue to look over us
Saturday 21st June
Salty Solstice Dip vigorating ocean swim celebrating vitality
Matariki Market by Little Big Markets.
SUNDAY JUNE 22
Silent Disco, free and family-friendly event at Mount Main Beach.
Sand Art Workshops – Hosted by Rake Healing.
Whether you’re here to relax, explore, or connect with something deeper, Matariki in Mount Maunganui offers a uniquely Kiwi cultural experience you won’t forget, check out Bay of Plenty Tourism for more events.
✨✨✨Stay with us at Pacific Coast Lodge and Backpackers — your home by the beach while you soak up the spirit of Matariki ✨✨✨
