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Come together, reflect, and look toward the future this Matariki weekend. Here's your low cost guide to Matariki celebrations across the city.

Tīrama Mai - powered by Orion and Connetics

Tīrama Mai is back this winter to celebrate Puanga Matariki with an array of artistic lighting and cultural displays in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch. The event will span Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū and The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, but works will also be positioned along Worcester Boulevard, and at Riverside Market.

The free cultural festival, produced by Christchurch City Council brings together an array of artistic, lighting and cultural displays, including performances and storytelling. Talks, short films and more will also feature at the Gallery at set times, and the exhibition spaces will be open for exploring until late. Head into the central city from 2.30 – 9.30pm Thursday to Sunday to check it out. View the full Tīrama Mai programme and map of installations at What’s On.

Takapūneke Reserve planting day

Looking for something to do this Matariki? Get involved at Takapūneke Reserve with a community planting day and sausage sizzle, in collaboration with Ōnuku Rūnanga.

Come along on Friday 20 June from 10am - noon. Please meet at the Stanley Place entrance, parking is limited.

Bring your friends and friends, sturdy closed footwear and a spade. The reserve is wahi tapu, so please leave your dog at home, and do not eat food onsite. Water bottles are ok. The sausage sizzle and a cuppa will kick off at noon.

Matariki in the Zone

Celebrate Matariki in the Zone with Richmond Community Garden, Avebury House, and Avon-Ōtākaro Network. This year, local groups will deliver a family-friendly afternoon with cultural activities and music, followed by a hāngī cooked by the team from Tuahiwi Marae.

Come along to the Richmond Community Garden from 2.30 – 6.30pm Saturday – and bring a torch or headlamp to enjoy the evening activities.

Whānau fun and wellbeing day

Join us at Tūranga for our whānau fun and wellbeing day on Saturday and foster your creativity and resilience. Enjoy some 'me' time – exploring stalls to support whānau/family wellbeing, including rongoā (Māori herbal medicinal products), health practitioners, Kaimirimiri, plus crafts, games, waiata/songs and story times.

Celebrate Maratiki with our whānau fun and wellbeing day from 10am – 3pm Saturday.

Matariki Food Market

Head to The Tannery on Friday evening for the annual Matariki Food Market – an evening of connection, kai and culture. From 5pm, popular Christchurch food trucks will bring their flavours to the food truck village, while the Atrium transforms into a warm, communal banquet space beneath the stars and fairy light.

Share food, stories and music as we come together to honour tradition and look toward the future.

The Arts Centre Matariki programme

Celebrate Maratiki at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre with live performances, visual art, kapa haka and more.

Explore te ao hangarau with four artists delving into being Māori in a digital world at the IN/DIGITAL SPACES immersive exhibition. Follow the journey of bespoke instrument creation in Alistair Fraser's studio workshop at He Ara Pūtōrino. Become acquainted with a solo traveller who signifies both the male and female aspect of Hineraukatauri at Pepe. View the permanent exhibition, Te Waiatatanga Mai o te Atua – The Song of the Gods, telling a version of the Ngāi Tahu creation story.

View the full Matariki programme on The Arts Centre website.

The Garden City Matariki Mākete

Come together this June at The Garden City Matariki Mākete to celebrate creativity, connection and kai in the heart of Ōtautahi. Wander through the market with over 40 local artisans and makers. Discover handcrafted products, share kai with friends and whānau and soak in the community atmosphere.

The Garden City Mākete will be on from 4.30 – 9.30pm Thursday, and 2.30 – 9.30pm Friday and Saturday at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre.

Winter Solstice Ride 2025

Light up yourself and your bike for a family-friendly fun ride around Hagley Park as part of the Winter Solstice Ride 2025. The purpose is to brightly support safe cycling in Christchurch, for commuters, kids riding to school and for all recreational cyclists. Bling your bike, helmet and person with as many lights as you can. 

The group will follow each other single file on bicycles around the new protected cycleways and the shared-use paths of North Hagley Park. Meet in North Hagley Park for the ride from 5.30 - 6.15pm Saturday.