Tīrama Mai, powered by Orion and Connectics is the ultimate light festival experience based on Matariki in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Immerse yourself in a stunning display of light and sound that celebrates the Māori New Year and the coming of winter. 

Reflect on the past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future with your whānau, while exploring a range of lighting installations, projections and illuminated artworks.

Bring your friends and whānau to experience the joy and wonder of Tīrama Mai together. Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate Matariki and the beauty of light with us. 

Whakapapa - the genealogy that connects all things - is at the heart of Matariki, accounting for the way in which all things have been created, including the stars, earth, sky, oceans, rivers, elements, minerals, plants, animals and all people. 

Tirama Mai is proudly produced by Christchurch City Council. A huge thanks to our partners - The Hits, Dark Sky Project, Christchurch Airport, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, The Crowne Plaza and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Map

Keen to know more about the artists and installations? Check out our digital map here(external link). 

Performance Schedule

There will be entertainment on the two weekends of Tīrama Mai. You can find the performances at the Te Atamira Performance Zone. Check out the schedule below! 

Fire and light shows

  • Fri 7, Sat 8, Thurs 13,  Fri 14, Sat 15 July: 8-9pm

Mitre10 Matariki Storytelling Zone

Live readings of Matariki stories and Māori legends will be performed around the Ngā Kōrero Pakiwaitara (Matariki story telling fire pit), located in Victoria Square. 

  • July 7,8,9,14 and 15 from 6-8pm

At other date and times, recordings of the stories will be played. 

Getting there

There are seven covered parking buildings and thousands of on-street parks available in the central city. Most on-street parking is free after 6pm (please check signage), see the carpark map for more info(external link)(external link).

For information on bus timetables, please visit MetroInfo.(external link)

Explorer Zones/Hospitality

We will have delicious food trucks onsite in Victoria Square. If you're wanting to explore the Central City a little more, we encourage you to please support local by visiting our amazing cafes and eateries in and around the city. 

Our explorer zones are great places to grab a bite to eat with friends and whānau.

Riverside Market(external link)(external link) has a range of delicious restaurants on offer! 

  • Mon - Weds, open till 6pm
  • Thurs - Sat, open till 9pm
  • Sun, open till 5pm

Take a stroll down New Regent Street(external link)(external link) and while you're there check out the range of food and drink options available. 

Don't know what you feel like? Check out Little High(external link)(external link) and experience nine different local and family-run businesses inside the modern marketplace with plenty of shared seating. 

The Art Centre(external link)(external link) is another great place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy what the central city has to offer. 

The Matariki Food Market at The Tannery(external link) is another great option if you're wanting to explore the city a little further. 

The Story of Puaka Matariki

The appearance of the Matariki star cluster – made up of nine stars(external link)(external link) – welcomes in Te Tau Hou, the New Year. Rising in the north-east sky, the star cluster is not always readily visible in all parts of New Zealand.

For those living in Te Waipounamu, the South Island, Puanga is a brighter star in the night sky which rises earlier than Matariki and is often considered to herald the New Year. Some iwi celebrate Puanga rather than Matariki as Te Tau Hou.

The rise of Puanga and Matariki is often acknowledged as being a time of coming together and of reflecting on the past year, on the people who have passed and on whakapapa (genealogy).

Whakapapa sets out the beginning and continuing relationships between everything - past and present. It accounts for the way in which all things have been created: the stars, earth, sky, oceans, rivers, elements, minerals, plants, animals and all people.