Join Auckland Zoo in celebrating Matariki from 7 June to 13 July.
As Te Pā Hono, a place of connection with te taiao - wildlife, people, and nature - Auckland Zoo offers an enriching and nurturing environment to reconnect with your whānau and embrace the wairua of Matariki.
The mid-winter rising of Matariki (the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster) invites us all to take time to reflect on the past, give thanks and celebrate the present, and plan and look forward to the future.
On arrival pick up a free Mānawatia a Matariki booklet (a great Zoo or home activity!) for your tamariki and enjoy a hīkoi into Te Wao Nui.
Our expansive Aotearoa track of six iconic environments (from Te Wao Nui a Tāne/The Forest to Te Po/The Night) is teeming with native plants and endemic wildlife - many of which the Zoo, with our communities’ support, is working to help ensure a future for. Here in Te Wao Nui, you’ll also discover and learn about the nine whetū /stars of Matariki.
Get along to Hidden New Zealand – 1pm daily at the Wild Work Centre. Our Animal Experiences team will bring you up close and personal with some of these stunning taonga species, share stories of our interconnectedness to them, and how we can all help them to thrive.
Bring your own kai and find your favourite spot to sit and share with whānau and friends or visit Te Puna Café which overlooks the Zoo’s lake. This beautiful life-giving water body reminds us all of the significance of fresh wai/water as we celebrate the Matariki star, Waitii. Along with other nourishing goodies, Te Puna will have hearty vegetable soup and fried bread on the menu throughout Matariki.
Auckland Zoo is proud to be celebrating Matariki as part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) and the wider Auckland Council whānau.
On Friday 20 June (5pm – 8.30pm), enjoy a night under the stars as the Zoo celebrates the rise of Matariki at Dinosaur Nights & Lights’. A highlight of this evening will be a special acoustic performance by award-winning musical duo, Aro.
Husband and wife Charles (Te Rarawa, Ngaapuhi, Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, Ngaati Mutunga) and Emily Looker are passionate about using music and storytelling to celebrate their cultural identity that includes exploring ideas of kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga – looking after ourselves, each other and our environment.
“If I'm ever having a busy or stressful week, I just sit down and listen to waves." Arlee has a healthy respect for the ocean and its unpredictability.
Where do you find a place of serenity, peace and connection? Kaitlyn and her whānau care for 16 hectares of beautiful regenerated ngahere (forest) in Puhoi.
Ashleigh’s ‘happy place’ is when she’s birdwatching in the Waitākere Ranges! She’s spent a lot of time in this ngahere (forest) surveying for the endangered and elusive kōkako as part of the annual census.
How do you like to connect with Papatūānuku? Ben shares the kōrero he received from his nana and his mum growing up and his abiding love for the ocean.
Ring in the Māori new year with a new family tradition - we're inviting our visitors to make Matariki memories with whānau! Remembering those who have passed, sharing good food and our aspirations for the year to come.
