News | 26 June 2024
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What’s on this Matariki long weekend

Puanga and Matariki is a time to get together, celebrate whanaungatanga (kinship), and be with others, to share stories and kai, and plan to work towards a sustainable future. Here’s a list of things for you and your whānau to check out this long weekend in Pōneke.

Pou Ahi fire pillar by David Hakaraia.

Immerse yourself with Ahi Kā   
Honour our culture and history, with a big, bold, immersive Wellington Waterfront walk-through journey including fire, projections, performances, and a special ceremony to honour those who have passed away and to express our hopes for the future. From Thursday 27 June to Sunday 30 June, wander down to the waterfront between 6pm 9pm to share kai with friends and whānau, remember those we have lost, and enjoy the brilliant performances. Find out more on our website.

Grab a mate and go skate!
From 28 June to 28 July, the Wellington Ice Rink will be back at Queens Wharf for a nice way to have winter fun with your whānau. Wrap up warm in your winter woollies between 10am-10pm each day to give it a go!
Tickets are available at the rink and online. 

 
Two Daleks on display at Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition.

Explore wider space (and time) with Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder
Step into the universe of Doctor Who with Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder! Experience the wonders of time travel and other scientific concepts this Matariki and beyond, at Tākina Convention and Exhibition Centre. Grab your tickets here.

Eat Street Food Festival
Feeling foodie this long weekend? Check out Wellington’s Eat Street Festival! Over 25 Courtenay Precinct businesses have joined together to showcase their best dishes and beverages, accompanied by an exciting entertainment lineup. The festival spans 12 days, starting Thursday 27 June. Check out the programme here.

 
Mana Moana water screen projection by Storybox.

See films that make a splash with Mana Moana Pōneke 
Enjoy a series of indigenous short films showcasing stories of our ocean, projected on a water screen. Watch as millions of water droplets fall and catch the light, creating the illusion of images appearing from the darkness and floating on the water.

Mana Moana Pōneke is a collaboration between Māori and Pasifika musicians, artists, writers, and choreographers, and it’s one you don’t want to miss! Running each evening of the long weekend (27 June – 30 June) from 6pm to 9pm at Whairepo Lagoon. Find out more.

See Matariki for yourself! 
Set your alarm clocks and try to catch the Matariki cluster in the sky at one of the amazing stargazing spots in Pōneke. Matariki is found low on the horizon in the northeast of the sky. You can find out more about the top places to spot the cluster, and where to look in this Our Wellington article.

Some of our facilities and services have reduced opening hours during holiday periods, so make sure to check out holiday hours page before heading out. 

We hope you have a safe and happy long weekend with your Whānau, Pōneke!