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

Whānau Day: MatarikiRā Matariki mō te Whānau

Celebrate the stars Matariki and Puanga with a day of whānau-friendly workshops and activities that highlight our connection across the Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.

When | Āhea

Fri 20 Jun 2025, 10.00am–2.00pm

Where | Ki hea

Level 4, Te Papa

Cost | Te utu

Free with museum entry

Our relationship with the Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa goes back thousands of years, through significant voyages that were guided by the whetū and other environmental indicators.

Join us and learn more about this connection through fun-filled workshops, activities, music, and dance.

  • Explore taonga from our collection and unlock some of the stories they hold.

  • Decorate your own kākano uku with artist Stevei Houkāmou.

  • Learn more about celestial navigation through hands on activities.

  • You can also get your face painted with environment-inspired designs, enjoy live performances, explore Mānawatia a Matariki, or do some Māori Mermaid colouring in.

A full schedule will be released closer to the event.

Matariki Whānau Day 2024. Photo by Jo Moore. Te Papa (246019)