Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand

Matariki Specials at Te Papa Cafe

Experience Matariki with seasonal cafe specials inspired by the flavours of Aotearoa New Zealand, drawing from the whenua, moana, and rangi.

When | Āhea

Wed 1 Jul - Wed 15 Jul 2026, 9am to 3pm every day

Where | Ki hea

Te Papa Cafe, Level One

Cost | Te utu

From $25.00

This Matariki, Te Papa Cafe brings together daily specials crafted by our award-winning chefs, honouring a time to gather, remember, and welcome the season ahead.

From pipi chowder and pork boil-up roulade to pāua galette and golden fried bread, each dish celebrates native ingredients and the flavours of Aotearoa, from the land, sea, and sky.

Wednesday 1 – Wednesday 8 July

  • Mussel & Pipi Chowder $26.00

    A rich and comforting coastal chowder of green-lipped mussels and fresh pipi, gently simmered with aromatic herbs and cream, served alongside toasted focaccia crostini.

  • Pork Boil-Up Roulade $29.00

    A refined interpretation of the beloved boil-up: slow-cooked pork roulade served with smoked kūmara purée, crisp watercress, and a bright apple jus. 

Thursday 9 – Wednesday 15 July

  • Fried Bread & Pork Meatball $26.00

    Golden fried bread topped with a spiced pork meatball, finished with a silky savoury velouté and kawakawa-dressed seasonal greens.

  • Pāua, Mussel & Prawn Galette $25.00

    A crisp savoury galette filled with pāua, green-lipped mussels, and prawns, served with horopito remoulade and traditional sourdough finished with rich muttonbird butter.

  • Beef Parmigiana $29.50

    Slow-braised beef layered with creamy agria potato, rich tomato and basil sauce, and finished with melted parmesan and delicate microgreens. 

Every purchase supports Aotearoa New Zealand’s national museum.

Matariki Specials at Te Papa Cafe, June 2026. Photo by Lucho Arca.