Matariki (Pleiades) is the name of a kāhui whetū or star cluster as well as the name of the Māori new year.

Get ready to make lasting memories with your whānau as we celebrate Matariki at Auckland Zoo from 1 - 16 July 2023!

Matariki is about spending time with your whānau. With exciting self-directed activities and a Matariki themed Tamariki Time (for growing tamariki), there's no better way to kick off a new whānau tradition than connecting with nature and wildlife. Learn about some of Aotearoa most precious wildlife taonga, and don't forget to share kai at Te Puna, you can even bring your own kai from home. So gather your whānau and join our celebration of Matariki.

Video

Learn about harakeke this Matariki!

Lyndelle talks about harakeke (flax) and Matariki (the Māori new year)

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Mānawatia a Matariki

Ring in the Māori new year with a new family tradition - we're inviting our visitors to make Matariki memories with whānau! Enjoy our self-directed activities, remembering those who have passed, sharing good food and our aspirations for the year to come.

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Your last chance to visit our 100 Year Exhibition

These school holidays, it's your last chance to see our 100 Year Exhibition, proudly sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson. Open to all Auckland Zoo visitors, this dynamic experience in the Zoo’s exhibition space, The Domes, offers a rich and colourful journey into the Zoo’s past, present and future - featuring photos, video (thanks to supporting partner Panasonic), and fun interactive activities for all ages.

100 Years: Celebrating a century of wild life at Auckland Zoo

 

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Make a meal of it!

Stop by our Te Puna café and pick up some delectable Matariki themed kai for the whole whānau to share! There is nothing better than a soul warming hupa huawhenua ā Matariki (vegetable soup) accompanied by a delicious fried bread to get over the winter blues. You can also bring your own delicious kai from home - we have sheltered spaces for you to share a meal together.

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Wondering how to help your tamariki understand Matariki?

Our amazing Conservation Learning team have put together a Matariki themed Tamariki Time, this is a 15-minute drop-in session where tamariki and whānau can learn about animals and conservation through play, kanikani and waiata! Available from 10 and 10.30 for children under 5 from 1 - 16 July 2023. 

Tamariki Time

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Te Wao Nui Tours

For a limited time only - we're offering Te Wao Nui Tours at a School Holiday Special rate. Discover all of Aotearoa New Zealand at Auckland Zoo. A truly unique experience of Aotearoa wildlife, plants and Te Ao Māori all in one location. Explore six different regions across the motu, from the wild and rugged high country, picturesque alpines, wetlands and coast to dense night forests featuring our kiwi habitat.

Book a Te Wao Nui Tour