Te Ara Rama Matariki Light Trail 2026

Te Ara Rama Matariki Light Trail, is an annual FREE-to-the-public outdoor lighting festival combining light, music and creativity across nine themes, representing the nine stars of Matariki. The light trail runs for four nights in Maybury Reserve, two minutes walk from the Glen Innes shopping village and the train and bus transport hub. WEDNESDAY 15 JULY TO SATURDAY 18 JULY WEDNESDAY JULY 15 PŌ 5.30pm- Opening karakia and turning-on-the-lights countdown every night at the Matariki waharoa main entry. Enjoy light displays of Māori-inspired imagery set among thousands of fairy lights in a magical landscape. THUR JULY PŌ 16 5.55pm Opening karakia and turning-on-the-lights countdown every night at the Matariki waharoa main entry. 6pm – 9pm. The Matariki light trail turns Maybury Reserve into a magical landscape. Enjoy light displays of Māori-inspired imagery set among thousands of fairy lights. FRIDAY JULY PŌ 17 5.55pm Opening karakia and turning-on-the-lights countdown every night at the Matariki waharoa main entry. 6pm – 9pm. The Matariki light trail turns Maybury Reserve into a magical landscape.Enjoy light displays of Māori-inspired imagery set among thousands of fairy lights. SAT JULY PŌ 18 5.55pm Opening karakia and turning-on-the-lights countdown every night at the Matariki waharoa main entry. 6pm – 9pm. The Matariki light trail turns Maybury Reserve into a magical landscape. Enjoy light displays of Māori-inspired imagery set among thousands of fairy lights. 9pm – Fireworks finale Wrap up warm and enjoy Māori New Year celebrations in Glen Innes. Note: Taniwha Street will be closed to traffic for Pak’n Save Matariki Fireworks 5pm to 10pm Sat 6 July from Line Road to Heatherbank Street. Image: Photo of the 2023 Te Ara Rama Matariki Light Trail by Auckland for Kids.

Dates & Times

• Friday, 17 July 2026

  17:55 – 21:00 (Pacific/Auckland)

• Saturday, 18 July 2026

  17:55 – 21:00 (Pacific/Auckland)