EVENTS
Matariki in Wellington
By | 23 May 2022
As we head into winter, the Matariki star cluster (also known as the Pleiades) appears in the Eastern dawn sky over Aotearoa New Zealand and signals the start of the Māori New Year; a time to remember the past and plan for the year ahead.
June 24th is the first time Matariki will be celebrated as a public holiday and Wellington has a host of events, attractions and activities to mark it.
Read on for how to best celebrate our new national holiday in Wellington.
LOOK TO THE SKIES AT SPACE PLACE
Learn about Māori starlore, experience interactive exhibits and take in spectacular planetarium shows. You'll find something for the whole family in their schedule of movies - most are also followed by a live Night's Sky presentation.
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KIDS GO FREE AT SPACE PLACE
Book a stay in a two-bedrom Bolton Suite or Premier Twin Suite on applicable dates and receive your kids go free voucher for Space Place with our Little Stars Stay promotion.*
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*Terms and conditions apply.
MATARIKI FIREWORKS
Gather the whānau and watch the skies above Wellington Waterfront light up with a dazzling free fireworks display. We recommended finding your viewing spot early in the night ready for the show at 7:15pm on Friday 24th.
Follow the Wellington City Council Facebook page for updates - in the case of high winds or inclement weather the show will be postponed to either the 25th or 26th June.
TAKE A RED ROCKET TO SPACE
Enjoy 20% off a return trip on the Wellington Cable Car and general admission to Space Place with their Red Rocket to Space combo ticket. Tickets available from the Cable Car Website.
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Ahi Kā
Between 6pm - 9pm from the 23rd to the 26th June, Te Papa, Wellington Waterfront and Te Ngākau Civic Square come to life with immersive projections, displays, performances, fire and light.
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Hākari Under the Stars
Celebrate the wonders of Matariki from the heights of Kelburn. With whānau-friendly activities, hāngi pie meals and the ideal vantage point for the Waterfront fireworks, Space Place's Hākari Under the Stars is the ideal family activity.
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