Matariki in Wellington 2027: Dates (Jun 25) and Fares

Name: Matariki in Wellington 2027
Start: 2027-06-25
End: 2027-06-25
Location: Wellington

When is Matariki in Wellington 2027?

Matariki in Wellington 2027 runs on Friday, June 25, 2027. The big day is Matariki public holiday, Friday, June 25, 2027.

2027Friday, June 25, 2027Confirmed

How the dates are set: Set by the rising of Matariki, with the public holiday in June or July.

See every event in June 2027

Source: kerigoldchalets.co.nz

Matariki in Wellington schedule

Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12, 2026: Matariki Ahi Kā ran from 6 pm to 9 pm each evening.
Each evening in 2026: The waterfront walk-through had fire, projections, live performances on two stages, kai courts and a ceremony honoring those who have passed away.
Public holiday weekend: Te Papa runs Matariki exhibitions, workshops and a memorial projection on the side of the building honoring people who died in the previous year.

Sources: facebook.com, wellington.govt.nz, all.accor.com

Getting to Matariki in Wellington

Matariki Ahi Kā runs along the waterfront between Te Papa and Frank Kitts Park. Most cultural venues are within a 15-minute walk of the CBD.

Source: all.accor.com

Where to stay in Wellington

A central base keeps everything on foot. Novotel Wellington on The Terrace is within walking distance of Te Papa, the Cable Car and the waterfront precinct.
Book accommodation and flights at least six to eight weeks before the holiday. Hotels in Wellington fill around the long weekend, and ticketed workshops can sell out in the final fortnight.

Source: all.accor.com

Tickets and cost

Matariki Ahi Kā is a free, whānau-friendly event.

Source: wellington.govt.nz

History of Matariki in Wellington

Matariki has been a New Zealand public holiday since 2022, the first to recognize Te Ao Māori. Wellington celebrates both Puanga (the star Rigel) and the Matariki cluster. Te Āti Awa acknowledges Puanga, and Ngāti Toa acknowledges Matariki.

Source: all.accor.com

Matariki in Wellington: questions people ask

Is Matariki a public holiday in New Zealand in 2027?

Yes. The Matariki public holiday falls on Friday, June 25, 2027.

Will Matariki always be on a Friday?

Yes. The holiday is set on the Friday closest to the Tangaroa lunar period, so it always falls on a Friday between late June and mid July.

Is Matariki Ahi Kā in Wellington free?

Yes. It is a free, whānau-friendly event on the Wellington waterfront.

What is Puanga?

Puanga is the star Rigel in Orion. It is a single star, not part of the Matariki cluster, and appears in the evening sky shortly before Matariki rises. Te Āti Awa acknowledges Puanga.

How far ahead should I book for Matariki in Wellington?

Book accommodation and flights at least six to eight weeks before the holiday.

Sources: kerigoldchalets.co.nz, en.wikipedia.org, wellington.govt.nz, all.accor.com

About Matariki in Wellington

The Maori new year, marked by the Pleiades rising, is now a national holiday of dawn ceremonies and light.

Matariki is the reappearance of the Pleiades in the pre-dawn sky in midwinter, and since 2022 New Zealand has marked it with a public holiday on a Friday between late June and mid July. Wellington's waterfront and Te Papa run dawn karakia, light installations, kai and performances across the surrounding week. The ceremony at first light is the moment; the rest is a winter festival in a windy capital.

Know before you go

The holiday date changes each year with the lunar calendar; check it before booking.
Dawn events start around 6.30am in near-freezing wind, so dress warmly.
Wellington airport is 20 minutes from the waterfront by bus or taxi.

More like this

See all events