Our pick of family-friendly events from 27 – 30 June 2024. Here’s what’s on for kids this Matariki weekend…
Celebrate Matariki and the long weekend with these events fuelled by tradition, culture, community spirit and family. We’ve put together a guide to Matariki events perfect for the whole whānau.
Search our events calendar for more family-friendly events for kids here.
Matariki events for kids this weekend:
Mānawatia a Matariki
The whole family is invited to an evening at Te Ara Ātea, featuring light displays, music, stories, scavenger hunts, art, kapa haka, and kai. The event begins with Loopy Tunes from 5.15 – 6pm, where sister duo, Leah and Siu, will lead an interactive bilingual music session for preschoolers. From 6 –7.30pm, enjoy cultural performances by local kapa haka teams from Waikirikiri. Families are advised to dress warmly as activities will take place both inside and outside, with parking available off Rolleston Drive near the Rolleston Community Centre. The kapa haka performances will be on the grassed area outside Te Ara Ātea, so wearing gumboots and bringing a seat is recommended.
When: Thursday, 26 June, 5-7.30pm
Where: Te Ara Ātea, 56 Tennyson Street, Rolleston
How much: Free
More details here.
Half Price Entry and Guided Tours at the International Antarctic Centre
From now until Sunday, 30 June, the International Antarctic Centre is offering all visitors special Antarctic Guided Tours at 50% off. All general admission tickets will also be half-price over this time! Gain in-depth insights into the Antarctic environment and research with knowledgeable guides. Tours last 1 hour 40 minutes and depart every 20 minutes from 9am to 3pm, except the 2.40pm and 3pm tours, which exclude the Hägglund ride. Pre-booking is required for all visitors.
When: Now until Sunday, 30 June, 9-4.30pm
Where: 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch, New Zealand
How much: Half-price tickets. Book here.
More details here.
The Garden City Matariki Mākete
The Garden City Mākete celebrates Matariki over two evenings full of creativity, community spirit, and delicious kai. Promising over 40 local artisans, food trucks, face painting, and characters for kids, the Arts Centre will feature Tīrama Mai light and art installations and kapa haka performances from 6.30-8pm.
When: Thursday, 27 – Friday, 28 June, 5-9pm
Where: The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
How much: Free entry.
More details here.
Matariki Whānau Movie Night: “Encanto”
Join a magical evening celebrating Matariki at this Whānau Matariki Event featuring a special movie night with “Encanto.” The event begins at 5pm with live music from local musicians, The Wildflowers. Guests are encouraged to bring their picnic dinner and a blanket to enjoy the performance. Following this, attendees can gather for a cosy screening of “Encanto” on the big screen and visit the cash snack bar stocked with delicious goodies. Matariki lanterns will be displayed in the gallery, with lantern packs for guests to create their own before the event and bring back to be featured.
When: Thursday, 27 June, 5-8pm
Where: The Bridge Hub, 51 Bridge Street, South New Brighton, Christchurch
How much: $2 Koha is appreciated to cover costs.
More details here.
Kaiapoi Lights
Experience the Matariki light path at Corcoran Reserve, Kaiapoi, on Thursday 27, and Friday, 28 June, from 5pm to 7pm each evening. Tots will love the lighting displays, installations, glow toys, and projections transforming the park into a magical wonderland for all ages. On Friday night, extend the excitement with a short walk to the Matariki Kaiapoi celebration in Norman Kirk Park, featuring fireworks at 7.30pm.
When: Thursday, 27 – Friday, 28 June, 7pm
Where: Corcoran Reserve, 79 Charles Street, Kaiapoi
How much: Child (2-15 years) – $5; Adult – $12. Book here.
More details here.
Matariki Badge Making
Families and little ones are invited to get crafty over the long weekend at Christchurch Art Gallery. Inspired by Maungarongo Te Kawa’s artwork “Rangi Takere Hau” (2022) from the Perilous exhibition, this activity invites those of all ages to drop in and craft their unique Matariki-inspired badges.
When: Friday, 28 – Sunday, 30 June, 10.30 – 1pm
Where: Christchurch Art Gallery, 312 Montreal Street, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Matariki Kaiapoi
An estimated 10,000 people attended last year’s event in North Canterbury, and another big turnout is anticipated this year. Expect an exciting fireworks display, Kapa Haka, a fantastic selection of food and market vendors, live music, and performers, including the new addition of a fun-filled fairground for kids.
When: Friday, 28 June, 4-8pm
Where: Norman Kirk Park, 10 Day Place, Kaiapoi, Christchurch
How much: Free entry
More details here.
Matariki in the Zone
Richmond Community Garden, Avebury House, and Avon-Ōtākaro Network invite families to an accessible and welcoming winter event highlighting the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor. Celebrate Matariki and Māori traditions with food, music, activities, and a week-long trail lighting display. On Saturday, 29 June, enjoy live music, and kids’ activities like wood-carving, flax-weaving, and marshmallow-toasting. The delicious hāngi will be raised at 4pm, served with a boil-up, vegetable soup, fried bread, hot chocolate, and booze-free mulled wine. The lights will come up as the sun sets, creating a magical evening.
When: Saturday, 29 June, 2.30-6.30pm
Where: Richmond Community Garden, 235 River Road, Richmond, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Matariki Market Star Making
Visitors are invited to the Carnaby Lane Matariki Market, where they can stop by Stitch-O-Mat to decorate a star in celebration of Matariki. This free, drop-in event is perfect for kids and families. Stitch-O-Mat will be open from 10am to 2pm.
When: Saturday, 29 June, 10-2pm
Where: Stitch-O-Mat, 4 Carnaby Lane, New Brighton, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Matariki Weekend at Riverside Market
Celebrate the start of the Māori New Year at Riverside with a weekend of joy, culture, and community spirit. Enjoy light displays, interactive installations, and a kids’ colouring competition with prizes. Live music and delicious food will be plenty!
When: Saturday, 29 June, 10-3pm
Where: Riverside Market, 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch
How much: Free entry
More details here.
Matariki at the Christchurch Irish Club
There is no need to be a member to join in the fun at the Christchurch Irish Club for a Matariki celebration on Saturday, 29 June. Family-friendly activities include a parent and child treasure hunt about the Matariki cluster, along with string art, colouring, scratch art, and a wishing tree. Enjoy a traditional Hāngī dinner at 5pm. The event is limited to 50 people, so make sure to book a ticket to avoid missing out.
When: Saturday, 29 June, 4-6pm
Where: Christchurch Irish Club, 29 Domain Terrace, Spreydon, Christchurch
How much: Child under 12 years- $5; Child 12-18 years – $10; Adult – $20. Book here.
More details here.
Tīrama Mai Tram Rides
Experience special evening tram rides on Saturday night, featuring family-friendly 20-minute tours along Worcester Boulevard and The Arts Centre, passing by the illuminations of the Tīrama Mai festival. Journey past Armagh Street and New Regent Streets while onboard and enjoy live commentary on the Puaka-Matariki story.
When: Saturday, 29 June, 5.30-7pm
Where: 109 Worcester Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch
How much: Tickets are priced at $20 per adult, $5 per child (5-15 years), and $50 per family (two adults and up to three children); under 5 ride free. Book here.
More details here.
Matariki Wā Kōrero – Matariki Storytimes
The Māori New Year will be celebrated with Matariki-themed stories, songs, and rhymes at Matariki Wā Kōrero – Matariki Storytimes. This event is perfect for babies, preschoolers and their caregivers. All are invited to this half-hour session for a morning of cultural enrichment and fun.
When: Sunday, 30 June, 10.30-11am
Where: Tūranga, 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Featured image courtesy of Pexels, image #1 credited to Loopy Tunes via Facebook, image #2 credited to International Antarctic Centre via Facebook, Image #5 credited to Kaiapoi Lights via Facebook, image #6 credited to Christchurch Art Gallery, image #7 credited to Matariki Kaiapoi via Facebook, image Image #8 credited to Richmond Community Gardens via Facebook, image #9 credited to Stitch-O-Mat via Facebook, image #13 credited to Christchurch City Libraries.
