City Alive: Matariki Festival brings Auckland alive for Maori New Year.
Look to the sky and celebrate all weekend long because the dawning of Matariki here. The rise of the seven stars of Matariki signifies the beginning of Māori New Year and for the first time, Auckland Council is co-hosting over 100 events with the 19 mana whenua iwi of Tamaki Makaurau. Get involved by taking a free ferry to Waiheke Island on Saturday or heading out into the Waitakere Ranges. Plus, there’s a whole lot of awesome local events from an artistic dinner in Hillsborough to local craft market in Kingsland. It’s a weekend for stargazing, Auckland! Here’s Localist’s five things you need to know to make the most of the weekend.
Experience Matariki Magic: Dawn Karakia at Waiheke Library
Matariki Festival kicks off this Saturday with a dawn karakia on Waiheke Island, hosted by Ngāti Paoa, at the island’s community library. Experience the power of karanga - the sounds of ancient karaoke and waiata. Set the alarm early and hop on a free chartered return Waiheke ferry service from the Auckland Ferry Terminal. Just don’t forget to book your seat on the ferry first because this will be a popular ride. And once the dawn has arrived, why not stay on the island and check out a local’s recommendations of where to enjoy the best of Waiheke Island.
Enjoy A Free Thing To Do: Matariki Flora and Fauna at Arataki Visitor Centre
From the kereru to the tui to towering Totara and picturesque Nikau, the Waitakere Ranges is a rainforest in Auckland’s own backyard. Take the kids for a fun and educational freebie this weekend with a special photography exhibit for Matariki at Arataki Visitor Centre called Sharing Our Forest. For more info, head here.
Eat In Style: The Dinner Company at Homestead
The hipster foodie collective known for Ceremony in Grafton and now Homestead in Hillsborough are bringing their passion for local food alive with a one-night-only community event called, The Dinner Crowd. Because their Hillsborough cafe at the Pah Homestead is only open during the day, every month this clever crew of locals are hosting dinners, consisting of three courses, good music and a solid beverage list. Encouraging punters to "have a drink, spin a few yarns and enjoy a wander through the sculpture garden” it’s a unique opportunity for a memorable Friday night of food and music. To book tickets, head here.
Try Something New: Korean-inspired burgers at Tiger Burger
Grey Lynn is buzzing with the much-anticipated arrival of Korean burger joint, Tiger Burger. Originally a street food stall over the summer, the team have branched out and opened their very first restaurant. With amazing burgers (including one of the best vege burgers in Auckland) topped with homemade kimchi and pickles, these passionate local foodies are bringing new tastes and vibes. Because they’ve only just opened, expect it to be busy all weekend long.
Buy Local: Crafternoon Tea Market in Kingsland
It’s cool to buy handmade, even cooler if you’re buying local. Ensuring local creations from Auckland artists, designers and crafters are more accessible to others in the community is why the Crafternoon Tea Market in Kingsland began. It takes place on the third Saturday of every month from 10am to 2pm and you can pick up everything from candles and cakes to goodies for the kids to beautiful jewellery. For more info and craftspiration, follow Crafternoon Tea’s blog.
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