Matariki is almost here! This year,  from June 25 to 28, Matariki (the Pleiades Star Cluster) will once again rise in Aotearoa’s winter skies. For those of you who do not know what Matariki is all about, this occasion signifies the start of the Māori New Year (Te Tau Hou Māori), paving the way to a month of celebrations and festivities throughout New Zealand.

If you’re in Rotorua during Martariki, why not join in with family and friends and take the time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and look towards the future. Here’s how you can celebrate Matariki in Rotorua:

OGLOW - Winter Solstice
Saturday, 22nd of June 2019 l 6:00-10:30pm

Returning for another year, Rotorua’s iconic zorbing attraction, OGO, is hosting an ‘OGlow’ Winter Solstice event in celebration of Matariki. As the sun sets on the 22nd of June,  for one night only you will have the chance to experience the thrill of rolling downhill in a giant inflatable ball in the dark!  Not only will OGO be offering an awesome discount offer off ride, they will be hosting a BBQ provided by their friends at Terrace Kitchen. While this may not be the conventional way Matariki is celebrated,  the occasion is about togetherness and bringing family and friends after all.

Limited sales, make sure to secure your tickets here.

Celebrate Matariki with Chapman’s
Open for Dinner Buffet 5:30pm-10:00pm daily

Loved by locals, Chapman’s Restaurant is the perfect place to bring together whanau and friends for delicious kai under one roof. From roast carvery, chilled seafood, sensation salads, and of courses we couldn’t forget about the mouth water dessert buffet and make-your-own ice cream station- there’s something sure to satisfy every age and taste bud.

Find out more here.

Colour the Night
Various Locations l Thursday 11 July, 5.30pm to 8.30pm

Stay tuned and lock this date in your calendar; Rotorua’s annual one-night Winter Matariki arts festival is just around the corner. Enjoy a night full of creativity, performances and music, as local artists take to the stage and open their doors for ‘Colour The Night’. Previous years saw over 2,000 attendees on the night with over 200 local artists/ performers, and we expect this year to certainly live up to the hype.

Stay turned for the full event programme closer to the date.

Want to know what else is happening for in Rotorua this Matariki? Find out more here.