BRIGHT NIGHT: Matariki Star Trail & Community Glow Ride

Queenstown Electrification Accelerator, Lightfoot Initiative, and Sustainable Queenstown are celebrating Matariki with a magical community glow ride and Matariki Star Trail through Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens. Register now to secure your spot.

Decorate your bike, gather your whānau, and follow a glowing trail to discover the nine stars of Matariki while riding through glowing light pods. It’s an easy 2.20 km loop suitable for children, families, and beginner riders.

Gather at the Bright Night Basecamp where you can enjoy:

• Free kai, ⚡electric hot chocolate and 🌟Glow-Tato Bites, cooked and powered by an electric car

• Electric car light shows and a solar-powered scooter.

• A trail e-bike and cargo e-bike on display, available to borrow through Lightfoot's GoGo E-Bike Library Programme.

• The Tennis Club rooms will be open for a warm space to enjoy 

• Meet the teams from Sustainable Queenstown, The Lightfoot Initiative, and the Queenstown Electrification Accelerator and discover how our community is building a more sustainable future.

📍Location: 

Queenstown Tennis Club 

⏰ Event Time

Ride anytime between 4:00 pm and 6:00pm 

🚲 First riders depart from 4:00 pm
🚲 Last riders must begin the route by 5:30 pm

⭐ Tamariki Challenge – Matariki Star Hunt

🗺️ Collect the map and star worksheet at the start

⭐ Find the 9 Matariki stars hidden along the route

🔖 Match your star sticker on the worksheet

🍫 Return to the finish for a free hot chocolate and kai reward!

What to Bring

✨ Glow gear! Light up your bike with lights, reflectors, or anything that shines 

🧥 Warm winter clothing - it’s a winter ride!

☕ A reusable mug for your hot chocolate to help reduce waste

Who Can Join?

Everyone is welcome - families, tamariki, friends, couples, solo riders, and community groups.

This is a relaxed, inclusive event designed to celebrate Matariki and bring our community together.

Safety Requirements

• Bikes must be roadworthy

• Helmets are required (NZ Law)

• Sufficient front and rear lights for visibility and safety

• Children must be accompanied by an adult

• Riders participate at their own risk

• We will be taking some pics, so please advise if you prefer no photos

• A weather decision will be made before 9:00 am on the day of the event

This event is brought to you by The Lightfoot Initiative, Sustainable Queenstown and the Queenstown Electrification Accelerator with support from Queenstown Lakes District Council and Central Lakes Trust.