Carousel slide 1 imageBring the whānau together this winter and enjoy a month of free and affordable events inspired by the stars of Matariki and the moana.
This Matariki, join us at the New Zealand Maritime Museum for a season of connection, creativity, and celebration.
Inspired by Waitā, the Matariki star connected to the ocean, our events invite whānau to come together through storytelling, waiata, weaving, art making, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Whether you drop in for a free family activity or spend the day exploring the museum, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Matariki by the water this winter.
Weekdays 6-9, 13-17 July July, 10am - 2.30pm | $5pp, bookings are advised
Join us for a hands-on adventure where tamariki become apprentice wayfinders! Build a cardboard waka, then set off on a journey through the museum to discover the nine stars of Matariki, learning knowledge and navigation along the way, and explore what the stars can teach us about food, weather, family, and the sea.
Sat 4 July, Sessions at 11am & 1pm | Free, bookings required
Join Hinekoia Tomlinson from Waiata Mai Vocal Coaching for a fun, inclusive waiata session for the whole whānau. Learn simple te reo Māori pronunciation, enjoy action songs, and explore the meaning of Matariki and the ocean star Waitā through music and movement.
Every Sunday in July, 10am-2pm | Free drop-in event
Drop in with your whānau to create a memory stone in honour of someone special. Kōhatu (stones) are lasting and strong - just like the memories we carry of the people we love. Take your stone home or add it to our growing taonga chest, filled with memories shared during Matariki at the Maritime Museum.
10 - 12 July, 10am - 2pm | Free drop-in event
Explore the symbolism of the moana in traditional Māori weaving through this whānau-friendly activity and celebrate the magic of Matariki among the museum's maritime heritage.
4 - 19 July, 10am - 5pm | Free drop-in event
Drop into the museum and watch the story of Matariki unfold through sand art. This recorded work by award-winning artist Marcus Winter (The Sandman) uses sand to create images that shift and change before your eyes. Grounded in Te Ao Māori, it follows the story of Matariki’s stars through themes of remembrance, connection and renewal.
Sat 18 July, 10.30am-3pm | Free drop-in event
Watch tradfitional weaving live at the Maritime Museum. Come and spend some time with Manahua – A Weavers’ Collective, sit and watch the weaving take shape, ask questions, or pull up a chair for a kōrero.
