Matariki ki te Rangi brings stargazing, markets and bridge light shows to the North Shore this winter.
There's something fitting about watching the Matariki star cluster rise over winter skies while standing somewhere familiar - your own local park, library steps, or harbour-front lookout.
This year, the North Shore doesn't just get a front-row seat to Auckland's citywide Matariki Festival; it's hosting its own lineup of events worth rugging up for. From a Devonport shop-window star hunt to a telescope night in Birkenhead and harbour bridge light shows visible from Bayswater Marina, the celebrations on this side of the bridge run right through the long weekend and beyond. Here's everything happening locally, plus a few city events worth the short trip across.
Matariki marks the rising of the Pleiades star cluster in the pre-dawn winter sky, signalling the start of the Māori New Year. It's a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present, and set aspirations for the year ahead. This year's theme, Matariki ki te Rangi, focuses on celestial knowledge, aspiration and renewal; reflecting on the stars and how they contribute to our wellbeing as kaitiaki (guardians) of the taiao.
The national public holiday falls on Friday 10 July 2026, creating a long weekend perfect for celebrating locally with whānau. Here's everything happening on the North Shore.
Matariki Ki Te Hau Kapua / Devonport Star Trail
8 June – 8 July 2026
Victoria Road, Devonport
Nine local schools have hidden beautifully designed stars inspired by the nine Matariki stars in shop windows up Victoria Road. Hunt them all down, match them to their meanings, and go in the draw to win a $300 voucher from a Devonport business of your choice. Stars designed by tamariki from Bayswater Primary, Belmont Primary, Belmont Intermediate, Devonport Primary, Hauraki Primary, Stanley Bay Primary, St Leo's Primary, Takapuna Grammar and Vauxhall Primary. More info here
Takapuna Matariki Market
Saturday 11 July, 9am – 2pm Hurstmere Road,
Waiwharariki Anzac Square
Thanks to the Sunshine Events team, this market brings a boutique offering of stalls to Takapuna, from food to goods and products, all with a distinct Kiwi and Matariki theme. Browse the stalls while enjoying live music and performances, and take part in the free workshops on offer throughout the day. Check out more event details on the Sunshine Events Instagram, @sunshineeventsnz.
Our Place In The Stars: Talk & Telescope Evening
Thursday 9 July, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Birkenhead Library, Hinemoa Street
Join the Auckland Astronomical Society for an interactive presentation by Niven Brown. Travel from Earth through our solar system, the Milky Way, and beyond to explore humanity's place among the stars. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the night sky through telescopes afterwards, weather permitting. More info here.
Matariki Twilight Market, Highbury House
Saturday 18 July, 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Highbury Community House, Hinemoa Street
A community celebration of Matariki right in Birkenhead with market stalls, live music, entertainment, food stalls, hangi, and Matariki-themed kids activities. Presented by Highbury Community House with support from Kaipātiki Local Board. Hangi on site. More info here.
Raranga Exhibition: Lake House Arts
27 June – 16 July, Saturdays 10:00am – 2:00pm
Lake House Arts, Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna
A weaving exhibition for Matariki at the North Shore's beloved arts centre. Jane Wilks (Ngāti Tauaiti, Ngai te Rangi) presents pieces blending traditional harakeke with wire and synthetic textiles, commenting on colonial influences on Te Ao Māori. Part of the official Matariki Festival programme. More info here.
Vector Lights Harbour Bridge Show
11–19 July, nightly, sunset to midnight
Auckland Harbour Bridge
The iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge lights up with a stunning Matariki show curated by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, themed around Ahi Kā roa (burning fires). The 6-minute show replays every 15 minutes, from sunset to midnight. And here's the North Shore angle: some of the very best viewing spots are right on your doorstep: Little Shoal Bay in Northcote, Bayswater Marina, and Westhaven Marina. More info here.
Worth noting: Vector's partnership with Auckland Council ends in 2027, so this may be one of the last Matariki seasons with this show on the bridge.
Worth The Trip
A few city-side events worth crossing the bridge for:
Friday 10 July — Matariki Ahunga Nui, Auckland Art Gallery (Free)
A free whānau day with kapa haka, music from Crescendo Trust, dance by Taane Mete, and craft activities, welcoming Blind and Deaf communities too. CBD.
Friday 10 July — Te hui Ahurei o Matariki, Festival Day
The centrepiece Matariki public holiday event, with Stan Walker headlining Ngā Reo o te Rangi: Voices of the Stars. Auckland city centre.
Thursday 9 July — Waiata Anthems, Auckland Philharmonia
Auckland Philharmonia reimagines iconic Māori-language songs with emerging young artists. Auckland Live.
Saturday 11 July — Matariki Whakarewa Manu, Kite Day
An Auckland Matariki Festival tradition — a family kite flying event celebrating connection between earth and sky.
2 June – 31 July — Ngā Whetū o te Tau Hou, Stardome
Matariki shows at Te Whatu Stardome, One Tree Hill, perfect for families wanting to understand the star cluster.
Saturday 18 July — Te Korakora ki Waihorotiu, Closing Concert
Festival finale at Shed 10, Queens Wharf — a powerful music programme honouring past, present and future. Auckland Waterfront.
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