This week in Auckland
It's Matariki — Te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year — and the city is alive with it. From free light shows and twilight markets to dance performances and community gatherings, there is genuinely something on every night this week. It is one of the best times of year to be in Auckland.
It is also the first week of the school holidays, so expect the city to be busy and family friendly events to fill up fast. We have pulled together the best of what is on for kids and whānau throughout the fortnight.
And if you have not made it to Doc Edge yet, this is your last week — the festival wraps up on 12 July with screenings across Auckland and the World Press Photo immersive exhibition still running at Smith and Caughey. Virtual cinema kicks off nationwide on 27 July if you miss it.
Categories
Editors Picks
Desiderium: What Stood Here
Fri 24 Jun to Sun 12 Jul · 10:00am to 8:00pm · Smith & Caughey, Wellesley St, Auckland CBD · Ticketed
A resin cast tōtara stump combined with augmented reality makes visible one of New Zealand's most significant environmental losses. Winner of Best New Zealand Immersive Exhibition at the Doc Edge Awards 2026. Part of the World Press Photo and Doc Edge Immersive Exhibition.
HobbyCon Matariki
Sat 11 to Sun 12 Jul · 10:00am · Auckland Netball Centre, St Johns · $15 online / $20 door (children under 12 free)
Two days of card collecting, trading card games, tabletop gaming and hobby vendors under one roof. 200 plus vendor tables. Tickets on sale now.
Arts and Entertainment
Auckland Philharmonia: Matariki Waiata Anthems
Thu 9 Jul · 7:30pm · Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall · $42 - $110
The Auckland Philharmonia performs te reo Māori versions of beloved Kiwi songs alongside a new generation of vocal talent including Geneva AM, Jordyn with a Why and MOHI. A special Matariki celebration of an album that debuted at number one in the NZ charts in 2019.
Te Karanga-a-Hape: Matariki on K Road
Thu 9 Jul · 5:00pm to 10:00pm · Karangahape Road, Auckland · Free
The entire length of K Road transforms into a free night of art installations, live music, storytelling, kai and movement. Ladi6, MĀ, Halfqueen and Waiwhai all performing. One of the best Matariki events in the city.
The Addams Family: The Musical
Fri 10 to Sat 11 Jul · Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna · $35 to $55
Auckland Performing Arts Academy brings the Broadway musical comedy to life — Wednesday Addams falls for a normal boy and invites his family to dinner, with predictably chaotic results. Showstopping songs, ghoulish humour and a surprisingly heartfelt story. Great for families.
Food and Drink
Matariki at Te Tōangaroa
Fri 10 Jul · 4:00pm to 9:00pm · Te Tōangaroa, Mahuhu Crescent, Auckland City · Free
A twilight Matariki market in the heart of the city with Māori kai trucks, live music, crafts and mahi toi after dark. One of the first stops on the Tūhono light trail. All welcome, dress warm.
Friday Night Vibes Market
Fri 10 Jul · 4:00pm to 9:00pm · The Trusts Arena, Henderson · Free entry
West Auckland's newest Friday night market with food vendors, artisan makers, boutique shopping and live entertainment. Free parking on site, rain or shine.
Outdoors and Active
Winter Yoga at Ōrewa Community Centre
Sun 12 Jul · 2:00pm to 5:00pm · Ōrewa Community Centre · Free
Four back to back yoga sessions for all ages and abilities including children's yoga, family yoga, teens and adults, and chair yoga for older adults. No booking required, bring a mat or towel.
Family Friendly
Matariki Ahunga Nui at Auckland Art Gallery
Fri 10 Jul · 10:00am to 5:00pm · Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, CBD · Free
A full day of whānau activities celebrating Matariki including kapa haka, craft workshops, dance performances, indie rock with taonga pūoro and a waiata singalong to close. Accessible activations for Blind, Low Vision and Deaf communities plus a relaxed sensory space.
Matariki for Tamariki — NZ Dance Company
Fri 10 to Sun 12 Jul · 11:00am and 1:00pm · Te Ao Mārama South Atrium, Auckland War Memorial Museum · Free
A whānau friendly dance performance celebrating Matariki. Choreographer Sean MacDonald brings to life a group of friends journeying through Aotearoa's ngahere, maunga and moana through the Matariki season. Suitable for young children.
Sales
ReUse Market
Sun 12 Jul · 10:00am to 1:30pm · Victoria St Car Park, City Centre · Free entry
A community second hand market dedicated to keeping pre-loved items out of landfill. Fully covered so it runs rain or shine. Free stalls for sellers, just bring your own tables and goods.
Free Stuff
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Sun 28 Jun to Sun 23 Aug · Auaha Ātea Nui, Auckland War Memorial Museum · Free with museum entry
61 years of the world's most celebrated nature photography competition, produced by the Natural History Museum London. Exceptional images capturing hidden animal behaviour, rare species and the natural world at its most breathtaking.
Matariki for Tamariki — NZ Dance Company
Fri 10 to Sun 12 Jul · 11:00am and 1:00pm · Te Ao Mārama South Atrium, Auckland War Memorial Museum · Free
A whānau friendly dance performance celebrating Matariki. Choreographer Sean MacDonald brings to life a group of friends journeying through Aotearoa's ngahere, maunga and moana through the Matariki season. Suitable for young children.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Sun 28 Jun to Sun 23 Aug · Auaha Ātea Nui, Auckland War Memorial Museum · Free with museum entry
61 years of the world's most celebrated nature photography competition, produced by the Natural History Museum London. Exceptional images capturing hidden animal behaviour, rare species and the natural world at its most breathtaking.
Matariki at Silo Park
Sat 11 Jul · 12:00pm to 5:00pm · Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter · Free
A full day of live music, storytelling and family activities by the waterfront to celebrate Matariki.
Upcoming / of note:
University of Auckland Three Minute Thesis Finals
Fri 17 Jul · 5:00–7:00pm · Sir Owen G Glenn Building, Grafton · Free
Doctoral candidates get exactly three minutes to present their research — one slide, no exceptions. Vote for your favourite in the People's Choice Award. Genuinely entertaining and free to attend.
→ eventbrite.co.nz/e/university-of-auckland-three-minute-thesis-3mt-finals-2026-tickets-1988355841848