Matariki 2026 - Whānau Day

Celebrate Matariki Whānau Day at Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute

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.

Join us for a day of reflection, remembrance, and renewal as we come together to celebrate Matariki – the Māori New Year. With a line-up of cultural festivities, kai, and games, there’s something for everyone in the whānau. The day kicks off at 9am, with activities running throughout.

Matariki Whānau Day Highlights:

• Market Stalls: Browse a range of art and crafts, kākahu, baking, and other taonga

• Pā activities: Tītī tōrea & other fun games 

• Cultural performances

• Bouncy castle and face painting (tāhua/ moko) for tamariki

• Wānanga

• NZMACI - watch demonstrations of weaving, wood carving, stone and bone carving

• Train ride loop around the valley, passing Pōhutu Geyser (every 30 mins)

Our street food market will be serving up delicious kai and inu – including a traditional Hāngī, cooked right here in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.

Adults - $5 + booking fee

Tamariki 0-16 - Free (ticket required)

If tickets are sold out online before the Whānau Day, you can purchase them at the gate from 9am - 2pm

Our Hautapu Ceremony will take place from 5am to 7am. A separate ticket is required and can be booked here: https://events.humanitix.com/matariki-2026-hautapu-ceremony