Matariki at Auckland Zoo

Mānawatia a Matariki!
Get ready to make lasting memories with your whānau as we celebrate Matariki at Auckland Zoo from 1 - 16 July 2023, just in time for the school holidays!

Ring in the Māori New Year with a new family tradition at Auckland Zoo! We're inviting all our Auckland Zoo visitors to make Matariki memories with their whānau – there’s even an exciting self-directed activity booklet for the explorer of all ages! We also have a fun Matariki themed Tamariki Time, a 15-minute drop-in session where tamariki and whānau can learn about animals and conservation through play, kanikani and waiata! There's really no better way to kick off a new whānau tradition than connecting with nature and wildlife. Learn about some of Aotearoa most precious wildlife taonga as well as over 135 species from across the world! So, gather your whānau and join our celebration of Matariki.

Make a meal of it!
Did you know you can bring your own kai to the Zoo? We have a few seating areas dotted around the zoo for visitors to have their own shared meal. Forgot to pack your lunch? Stop by our Te Puna café and pick up some delectable Matariki themed kai for the whole whānau to share! There is nothing better than a soul warming hupa huawhenua ā Matariki (vegetable soup) accompanied by delicious paraoa parai (fry bread) to get over the winter blues!