Timed with the shortest day of the year and signaling the arrival of Matariki, Mount Maunganui is set to host a vibrant Midwinter Solstice celebration across three days. Throughout the Matariki holiday long weekend, from Friday 20 June to Sunday 22 June, our slice of paradise will come alive with a series of free pop-up events celebrating community through reflection on seasonal and spiritual renewal.
Expect a mix of free events that feed the body, inspire the mind and uplift the soul, with special additions part of the broader Matariki festivities.
Matariki’s rising heralds the start of the new year in the Māori lunar calendar and is a time for remembrance, celebration and planning for the future. Its reappearance in the winter sky signals a period for whānau and friends to gather, honour the past and look ahead with hope.
On Friday 20 June, there will be an opening Matariki Maumaharatanga ceremony hosted by Te Puna I Rangiriri Trust, to pause and remember those who have passed and to acknowledge the legacy they leave behind. This will be followed by a paddle out and karakia at Pilot Bay, offering space for reflection and intention-setting, with a warming drink served up by Tea153. By night, the energy shifts with a Starlight Session at Te Papa o Ngā Manu Porotakataka, at the heart of Mount Mainstreet, where a DJ will be spinning tunes alongside projections of stars underneath the night sky.
For those in search of renewal, wellbeing sessions include a journey guided by Arpége with a ceremonial face-washing ritual, and a grounding yoga session powered by lululemon, where a few lucky attendees will even be gifted Product Seeding Cards for a pair of the recently launched Align No-Line Leggings.
On the water at Pilot Bay, on Saturday 21 June, the spirit of challenge and connection will come alive. Once again Hoe Aroha Whanau o Mauao is proud to host one of the best open ocean races in New Zealand. Or dive right in with our invigorating Salty Solstice Dip celebrating movement, vitality and the healing power of the sea. This polar plunge is for families and friends to embrace, with 50 complimentary Sea People x Midwinter Solstice ice creams up for grabs.
Other highlights of the programme include a free family-friendly silent disco at Mount Maunganui Main Beach on Sunday morning; a Sand Art Workshops run by the talented Rake Healing, and Little Big Markets’ Matariki Market is set to bring together local artisans and kai at Coronation Park on the Saturday, alongside a Mount Mainstreet treasure hunt.
Mount Mainstreet is also home to part of the The MatARiki AR sculpture trail, which runs from 9 to 23 June at Te Papa o Ngā Manu Porotakataka.
Throughout the weekend you can catch plenty of live music, including performances at Mount Social Club and an international DJ set featuring Body Ocean at Astrolabe on Saturday night. And there’s a bunch of promotions and giveaways throughout the weekend, including winter warming lunch deals, $3 coffees and plenty of mulled wine at all the cosiest bars in Mount Maunganui. Spot prizes will also feature at many of the events, courtesy of Mount Mainstreet businesses such as Moon Glow, Drift Clothing and Sisters & Co.
“As Mauao anchors the sea and harbour, we have a truly special place to honour ourselves and our community,” says Julie Paama-Pengelly, Chair of Te Tuhi Mareikura Trust. “We’re excited to bring back our immersive Māori art experience to align with these celebrations, the MatARiki AR sculpture trail, which is a fun and interactive way for everyone to explore and celebrate the new year.”
“As we honour Matariki and reflect on the year past, we also look ahead in celebrating the return of the longer days and new beginnings, in true Mountie style,” says Rae Baker, Head of Strategy and Growth at Mount Mainstreet. “Our ‘Summer Anytime’ vibe keeps this place alive, even in the heart of winter. Our Midwinter Solstice embodies these values and the spirit and collaboration of Matariki, bringing the community together to honour traditions and embrace the season. There will be something for everyone across the long weekend.”
The Midwinter Solstice is a collaborative effort between Mount Mainstreet and local community groups, creating a space for connection, celebration and shared experience during the heart of winter.
