Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
A family-friendly Matariki celebration filled with free cultural activities, workshops and interactive experiences inspired by waka voyaging, Pacific traditions and celestial navigation.
Held across Level 4 at Te Papa, this special Matariki Whānau Day invites tamariki and whānau to explore the stories, mātauranga and cultural connections carried across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa through hands-on activities, creative workshops and live demonstrations.
Families can take part in a design workshop with artist and carver Selwyn Palmer exploring the remote Polynesian islands of Rennell and Bellona, discover the Fijian environmental calendar and seasonal food knowledge with Emele Ugavule, and learn about Pacific navigation through star compass demonstrations from the navigators of Ngahiraka Mai Tawhiti.
Visitors can also explore Kiribati culture with St Josephs Kiribati Community, complete a Te Papa Taonga Trail inspired by the tohu of Matariki, and enjoy Matariki-themed face painting throughout the day.
Suitable for all ages.
This event includes NZSL interpretation and wheelchair access.
Information sourced from Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Image credit: Matariki Whānau Day 2025 Te Papa. Photo by Jo Moore. Te Papa (268593)
