Matariki at SkyCity

Daily, until 22 June 2025

A Celebration of New Beginnings

This Matariki, gather with whānau and friends to honour new beginnings, remember those who've passed, and celebrate the promise of the year ahead.

Join us for two unforgettable weekends as the Sky Tower lights up with breathtaking laser shows, created in collaboration with Māori artists who are in a league of their own — bold, visionary, and deeply rooted in Te Ao Māori.

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Laser Show Weekends

5.30pm - 10.30pm

20 – 22 June • Graham Tipene

Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Manu) is a Tā Moko artist who has been involved as a consultant and key artist on civic and Council-led projects throughout Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. His public works bring kaupapa Māori into the built environment of the city, with major projects including the Waterview tunnel, Victoria Park, Auckland Library, Tirohanga Whānui Bridge in Albany and Waimahara under the Myers St overpass.

For Matariki ki Te Manawa, Graham has worked with other artists to create Tūrama, a significant light trail that runs up Queen Street from Shortland St to Aotea Square, bringing the story of Te Waihorotiu to life in physical form.

"Matariki is a time of remembrance of those who have passed beyond the veil, who journey to Ngā Rangi Tūhāhā and will now become part of the star realm, to be forever remembered in whaikōrero and waiata.

Te Waka o Rangi / Te Waka o Tamarereti sails throughout the heavens, collecting the souls of those who have made the journey. Te Kupenga o Taramainuku (the net) is cast to collect those wairua and to carry them into the heavens and beyond.

According to some iwi, Pōhutukawa is the oldest star in the Matariki cluster and is a representation of those who have journeyed to the next realm. She takes care of the wairua of our dearly departed and we, as mere mortals, look skyward, searching for signs that tell us we are approaching this important time of year in the Maramataka Māori.

For centuries, Tohunga Kōkōrangi have studied the skies to navigate waka across vast oceans, to predict weather, to predict how crops will grow and give an indication of how the people will survive the coming year, but most importantly, to remember those who have gone before us and take inspiration from their lives and to uphold their legacies.

Representing elements that align with Pōhutukawa, the waka ascends the tower hauling the net behind it to collect the wairua. The Pōhutukawa flower follows behind to connect the wairua to the whenua they are leaving behind."

Ataahua Papa (Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta) is the Creative Director of Matariki ki Te Manawa, providing guidance, leadership and curation for projects in Auckland City Centre that celebrate this unique time of year.

27 – 29 June • Lissy & Rudi

Lissy (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu) and Rudi (Waikato Tainui, Ngāti Pāoa, Taranaki, Te Arawa) Robinson-Cole are the creators of Wharenui Harikoa, a crocheted Māori meeting house embodying the spirit of aroha. This activation continues their journey of using colour, light, and Māori storytelling to uplift and connect.

Wishing Up to Hiwa-i-te-rangi

"Hiwa-i-te-rangi is a central pou within our Wharenui Harikoa — representing the wishes we place for the year ahead. We see this activation as a moment for the people of Tāmaki Makaurau and beyond to feel connected to their aspirations, their ancestors, and to each other. The Sky Tower, a beacon in the skyline and a symbol of celebration for our city, becomes the vessel that carries these wishes upward — a whetū-inspired waka for collective dreaming."

Live Music & Pōhutukawa Star Wall

Matariki Live Music Entertainment

Celebrate the occasion with music, showcasing talented performances with beautiful te reo Māori infused into their music repertoire — the perfect accompaniment to the exquisite dining offerings in the precinct.

RICHARD MURRAY
Friday June 13th • 4-7pm

MAHAANI MAIAVA DUO
Saturday 14th June • 4-7pm

DR VALANCE SMITH
Friday June 21st • 4-7pm

MAHAANI MAIAVA DUO
Saturday 21st June • 4-7pm

DR VALANCE SMITH
Friday June 27th • 4-7pm

Pōhutukawa Star Wall

Hei whakamaharatanga i te hunga kua whetūrangitia

Commemorate our loved ones we have lost over the last year through placing a star sticker on the Pōhutukawa Star wall of remembrance in the Atrium. On the night of 19 June, the Sky Tower lights will be turned off, offering a final moment of reflection and farewell. This symbolic gesture invites us all to honour those we've lost, reflect on the year gone by, and look ahead with renewed purpose.

Matariki Weekend • Sky Tower Celebration

Celebrate Matariki at the Sky Tower!

Join us over the Matariki long weekend as we open the Sky Tower from 6am to mark this special time of remembrance, reflection, and renewal. Bring the whānau for a range of family-friendly activities, including: Educational videos about Matariki – what it is, what it means, and how to find it in the sky.
Fun activities for tamariki throughout the day.

And the best part? Kids aged 14 and under get in free all weekend!*

*Terms and conditions apply.

Come together, look to the stars, and celebrate Aotearoa's midwinter moment in a truly special way.

*Valid for visits from 6am Friday 20 June to close of business on Sunday 22 June. Terms and conditions apply.

Terms & Conditions

Matariki Weekend - Kids go free offer valid from Friday 20 June to Sunday 22 June 2025, during the Sky Tower’s operating hours of 6am – 8.30pm. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult (18 years or older), 1 free children per 1 paying adult. Proof of age may be required for children claiming free entry. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. Standard Sky Tower entry terms and conditions apply.