Te Manaaki, Auckland's Giant Christmas Tree

Te Komititanga - Lower Queen Street

Free

Dates

22 NOV, 2025 - 5 JAN, 2026

Te Manaaki Returns To Light Up Auckland's Heart This Christmas!

The magical tree that brought Auckland together last Christmas is coming back to Te Komititanga for 2025 and is lighting up the square once more with an evening of music, laughter and Christmas lights!

Te Manaaki, the 18.4-metre Christmas tree that has become the city’s newest festive favourite, will once again mark the beginning of silly season in the city with an unmissable tree-lighting ceremony, with special musical guests!

The public event begins at 7.30pm, with live performances leading up to the lighting at 8.15pm as the sun sets. Audiences will find vantage points around Commercial Bay and the square, where the atmosphere spills into nearby restaurants, shops and laneways. Why not make a night of it, and settle in for an early dinner at a great vantage point to watch the event and countdown to the lights turning on - dinner and a show!

Last year’s debut drew thousands into the heart of the city and this year’s free, family-friendly celebration will be hosted by radio favourite, Sharyn Casey and headlined by New Zealand’s chart-topping pop-funk quartet, Drax Project who will be joined by a performance from the Auckland Youth Choir. Expect timeless carols, pop favourites and all the festive feels while we set the spectacular tree sparkling and usher in the festive season!

A joint gift to the city from Heart of the City and Precinct Properties, with support from Auckland Council via the city centre targeted rate, Te Manaaki is quickly becoming one of Auckland’s enduring Christmas traditions. Te Manaaki transforms 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!

Standing 18.4 metres tall, with a 15-metre steel frame, 2-metre base and 1.4-metre star topper, Te Manaaki is a permanent structure designed to return year after year. It is wrapped in more than 10,000 LED lights, 4,000 Pōhutukawa flowers and 200 stainless-steel baubles, creating a glow that fills the square and reflects across the harbour.

Named by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Manaaki means respect, care and hospitality — words chosen to reflect Auckland’s spirit of generosity. The structure was built from long-life materials including steel, aluminium and stainless steel, designed for reuse over many seasons.

All photography by Sacha Stejko.

Voices behind the celebration!

Viv Beck, Chief Executive of Heart of the City, says "Last year, we watched thousands gather to see the tree light up for the first time. That moment showed how much Aucklanders value being part of something shared - it’s now becoming a must-visit tradition of its own. The Christmas period is a key trading time in city centre, and the tree is a unique drawcard bringing vibrancy and excitement, as we activate with a programme of wonderful festive events.”

Scott Pritchard, CEO of Precinct Properties says "Te Manaaki is a long-term investment, a high quality and welcoming focal point that is part of the evolving Christmas story in city. It’s something that Aucklanders and visitors can look forward to each year and an added reason to shop, dine and celebrate in the city.”