Article
The lights will celebrate special occasions in the city centre.
Experience the heart of the city as it comes alive with glowing installations and captivating Māori art activations this Matariki season.
Follow the trail of these must-see artworks scattered throughout the city centre—click on each one to discover more. You can explore the full Matariki ki te Manawa programme here.
Light works
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Vector Lights is a world-first solar, battery and peer-to-peer powered Auckland Harbour Bridge light show that demonstrates a...
Art installations
Stroll around the city centre exploring these incredible pieces of Māori artwork
Start at Aotea Square
Tūrama: A Kaitiaki lights up one side of Aotea Square’s grass terraces and the much-loved artwork Waharoa lights up the other. Together, they acknowledge the mahi and life of celebrated artist the late Selwyn Muru. This immersive artwork transforms Queen Street into a glowing celebration of Māori culture, nature, and history - complete with towering guardians and native forest magic.
Head to Lorne Street, outside the Central City Library
Te reo words: Language and light come together in this powerful celebration of te reo Māori. These striking installations illuminate the kupu (words): rere, tika, and Māori. It is a reference to the whakataukī (proverb) by Māori language expert Sir Tīmoti Kāretu: “Ko te reo kia rere. Ko te reo kia tika. Ko te reo kia Māori.” This translates to “The language needs to be correct, the language needs to be heard far and wide, the language needs to be Māori in ethos.” It can be viewed day and night, from 7 June to 13 July.
Watch the Sky Tower light up
Celebrate Matariki in radiant style as the Sky Tower glows from deep orange at its base to golden yellow at its peak — symbolising remembrance, connection, and renewal—core values of Matariki. Catch this stunning display from 11 to 17 July 2025.
Look up on Elliott Street to see Taurima
Taurima: These vibrant crocheted neon artworks float above the street, symbolising pātaka kai (traditional food storehouses) and celebrating the area’s deep roots in hospitality and nourishment. Created by artists Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole, Ataahua Papa, and Angus Muir Design, this hyperbolic display is on from 7 June to 13 July 2025 as part of Matariki ki te Manawa.
From Commercial Bay to Te Tōangaroa
Discover the wonder of Matariki through Tūhono — an immersive light trail created by emerging Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei artist Arama Tamariki-Enua. This captivating installation celebrates the stories, people, and places of Auckland’s downtown waterfront, weaving together tradition and innovation in a luminous journey. Let the lights guide you through a powerful expression of connection and culture.
Walk to Silo Park to discover more captivating lights
Inspired by the traditional Māori string game, Whai symbolises the merging of ancient wisdom and modern innovation. Designed by artist Janine Williams (Ngāti Paoa, Te Uri o Hao), this intricate installation reconnects us with ancestral narratives, acting as both a tool for learning and a source of entertainment. Whai is a powerful, evolving installation that connects past and present, inviting all to experience the magic of Māori storytelling through light.
Buildings & landmarks lit up for Matariki
While you're out exploring, make sure to keep an eye out for the various buildings and landmarks lit up in vibrant orange, purple and pinks to celebrate the Māori new year.
- Queen Street Lights
- Viaduct Harbour, Marina Seawall
- PwC Tower
- Sky Tower
