The July school holidays are officially here, and this year, they bring a incredibly special celebration right in the middle of the winter break.

Mark your calendars for Friday, 10 July 2026, as we celebrate Matariki—the Māori New Year!

Whether you have toddlers, teens, or anyone in between, Matariki is the perfect time for the whole family to slow down, connect, and create some beautiful mid-winter traditions.

What is Matariki?

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars (also known as the Pleiades) that rises in the early winter sky. Its appearance signals the end of the old year and the beginning of the new.

At its heart, Matariki is about three simple things:

• Remembering the past: Honouring those who have passed away since the last rising.
• Celebrating the present: Gathering with loved ones to share food, stories, and gratitude.
• Looking to the future: Planning for the year ahead and setting new goals or wishes.

5 Ways Your Family Can Celebrate Together

You don't need a massive plan to make the day meaningful. Here are some simple, all-ages activities to do during the holidays:

• 1. Brave the Cold for Early Morning Stargazing ✨ Rug up in your warmest blankets, fill a thermos with hot chocolate, and head outside just before dawn (around 5:30 AM–6:00 AM) to look toward the northeast horizon. Finding the Matariki cluster together is a magical experience for kids and adults alike.
• 2. Host a Mid-Winter Feast (Hākari) 🍲 Food is a central part of Matariki. Fire up the slow cooker, roast some root vegetables, or bake a warm winter pudding. Get the kids involved in prepping the meal and sharing what they are grateful for around the dinner table.
• 3. Write Down Your Future Wishes 📜 Traditionally, wishes were sent to the stars. Create a "Wishing Tree" or a family journal where everyone—from the littlest to the oldest—can write or draw their goals and hopes for the coming year.
• 4. Connect with Nature 🌿 Matariki is deeply tied to the environment. Use the holiday downtime to plant a winter vegetable, a native shrub, or simply head out for a crisp bush walk to appreciate the natural world around us.
• 5. Check Out Local Light Festivals 🎆 Many councils and community groups host free Matariki events, light shows, and storytelling sessions during the holidays. Check your local community boards to see what's happening in your area!

Bonus Matariki Crafts & Activities for Kids!

Looking for some hands-on fun to keep the kids busy on a rainy winter afternoon? We have found two fantastic, free Kiwi resources for you! You can download the ultimate Matariki Activity Book from Te Papa, which is packed with star-making guides, colouring pages, and word searches. Or, if you want to focus strictly on crafting, check out the Christchurch City Libraries Matariki Guide for awesome printable templates to make your own paper stars and globes. Grab the scissors and glue, and get creating together at the dining table!

How is your whānau planning to mark Matariki this year? Whether you're heading out to see the stars or staying cozy inside by the fire, we wish you a warm and happy Māori New Year.

Mānawatia a Matariki! (Celebrate Matariki!)