Part of Christmas in the City Centre
More detailsTe Komititanga will host the spectacular debut of a magical new Christmas tree... Te Manaaki.
Standing at a majestic 18.4 meters tall, decorated with over 10,000 LED lights, 4,000 Pōhutukawa flower decorations and over 200 giant baubles, it marks the start of an exciting new festive tradition for Auckland.
This gift for the city is a partnership between Heart of The City and Precinct Properties, with support from Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate. Te Manaaki will bring festive magic for all to enjoy, transforming Te Komititanga (adjacent to Commercial Bay and the Waitematā Station (Britomart)) into a vibrant, festive hub creating a welcoming focal point for celebration and connection in the city centre, the home of Christmas!
The name Te Manaaki was generously gifted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, with manaaki meaning respect, care and hospitality. The name reflects the values that make Auckland special — support for each other, the celebration of culture, and a commitment to community. The base of the tree, designed by Merania Kerehoma of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, draws from traditional Māori mahi toi (art) to honour the heritage and culture of Tāmaki Makaurau, celebrating both where we’ve come from and where we’re headed as a community.
Constructed to be durable with long-lasting materials, including a steel frame and stainless-steel baubles, Te Manaaki is built to be a permanent fixture of Auckland’s festive season for many years to come. Sustainability was at the heart of the design, ensuring the tree not only brings joy today but continues to create enduring memories for future generations.
A 5min light show will run every 10 mins, each evening until 4 January from 5pm to 10pm.
More Christmas magic is here!
The city centre is glowing with even more Christmas spirit and festivities that are happing all season long, from Te Manaaki all the way to The Pav in Aotea Square and everywhere in between. Enjoy the festivities all along Queen Street including the iconic Christmas Windows at Smith and Caughey's as you wander the city to create some memories - there is something happening for everyone!
We've also got shopping ideas aplenty... so you can focus on what to get yourself! Plus, when all the shopping is settled, we have great ideas for Christmas catch ups where you can cheers to keeping silly season stress-free and dig into some delicious Christmas eats.
The home of Christmas is here, in the Heart of The City, so be sure to check out our dedicated Christmas page.
Viv Beck, Chief Executive of Heart of the City, says "Many people have special memories of Christmas in the city centre. Now is an ideal time to bring a new festive attraction to the heart of our city. We’d love to see it become an enduring Christmas tradition for many years ahead - a place for both locals and visitors to come and create new memories.”
Scott Pritchard, CEO of Precinct Properties says "Te Manaaki reflects Precinct’s commitment to supporting the revitalisation of Auckland’s city centre. As the owners of Commercial Bay, we’re passionate about activations and events that contribute to a vibrant city centre, and encouraging Aucklanders and visitors to rediscover what makes the city special. Te Manaaki is a great example of that and we’re incredibly proud to be involved.”
Te Manaaki is a gift for the city from Heart of the City and Precinct Properties, with support from Auckland Council via the city centre targeted rate.
Park for $2 per hour at the Downtown car park to a maximum of $15 on evenings and weekends. Find out more.