Matariki is New Zealand's newest public holiday, first observed in 2022. It marks the Māori New Year, signalled by the rising of the Matariki star cluster in the pre-dawn sky in midwinter. The holiday always falls on a Friday, so it creates a three-day weekend every year.
Matariki dates
| Holiday | Actual date | Observed weekday date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matariki 2026 | Fri, 10 Jul 2026 | Fri, 10 Jul 2026 | Friday |
| Matariki 2027 | Fri, 25 Jun 2027 | Fri, 25 Jun 2027 | Friday |
What Matariki means
Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster also known as the Pleiades. Its reappearance in the morning sky has long been associated with the turn of the year. The public holiday is guided by three themes: remembering those who have passed since the last Matariki, celebrating the present and gathering together, and looking forward to the year ahead.
Why the date changes
The date is based on the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar, so it moves between late June and mid-July. Unlike most holidays, the dates are set in law well in advance by Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022, which lists the dates for decades ahead. Because it is always a Friday, Matariki is never Mondayised.
Ways to mark Matariki
Many people rise early to look for the cluster in the north-eastern sky before dawn, share a meal with whānau and friends, or attend community events, light shows and hautapu (offering) ceremonies. Clear, dark skies are best, so the Mackenzie Basin, Wairarapa and other dark-sky places are popular, but even a city hilltop can work on a clear morning.
Combining Matariki with school holidays
Matariki sometimes falls in or next to the winter school holidays, which makes it easy for families to stretch a trip. Compare the dates below with your school's term calendar before booking.
Make the most of your leave
These plans count national public holidays and weekends for someone who usually works Monday to Friday. They are worked out from the dates above; regional anniversaries and your own roster can make them better or worse.
Matariki 2026
- No leave → 3 days off: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 to Sun, 12 Jul 2026.
- 1 day of leave → 4 days off: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 to Mon, 13 Jul 2026. Leave on Mon, 13 Jul 2026.
- 2 days of leave → 5 days off: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 to Tue, 14 Jul 2026. Leave on Mon, 13 Jul 2026, Tue, 14 Jul 2026.
- 3 days of leave → 6 days off: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 to Wed, 15 Jul 2026. Leave on Mon, 13 Jul 2026, Tue, 14 Jul 2026, Wed, 15 Jul 2026.
- 4 days of leave → 9 days off: Sat, 4 Jul 2026 to Sun, 12 Jul 2026. Leave on Mon, 6 Jul 2026, Tue, 7 Jul 2026, Wed, 8 Jul 2026, Thu, 9 Jul 2026.
- 5 days of leave → 10 days off: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 to Sun, 19 Jul 2026. Leave on Mon, 13 Jul 2026, Tue, 14 Jul 2026, Wed, 15 Jul 2026, Thu, 16 Jul 2026, Fri, 17 Jul 2026.
In 2026 this falls during school holidays for state and state-integrated schools, so expect busier roads and accommodation.
Matariki 2027
- No leave → 3 days off: Fri, 25 Jun 2027 to Sun, 27 Jun 2027.
- 1 day of leave → 4 days off: Fri, 25 Jun 2027 to Mon, 28 Jun 2027. Leave on Mon, 28 Jun 2027.
- 2 days of leave → 5 days off: Fri, 25 Jun 2027 to Tue, 29 Jun 2027. Leave on Mon, 28 Jun 2027, Tue, 29 Jun 2027.
- 3 days of leave → 6 days off: Fri, 25 Jun 2027 to Wed, 30 Jun 2027. Leave on Mon, 28 Jun 2027, Tue, 29 Jun 2027, Wed, 30 Jun 2027.
- 4 days of leave → 9 days off: Sat, 19 Jun 2027 to Sun, 27 Jun 2027. Leave on Mon, 21 Jun 2027, Tue, 22 Jun 2027, Wed, 23 Jun 2027, Thu, 24 Jun 2027.
- 5 days of leave → 10 days off: Fri, 25 Jun 2027 to Sun, 4 Jul 2027. Leave on Mon, 28 Jun 2027, Tue, 29 Jun 2027, Wed, 30 Jun 2027, Thu, 1 Jul 2027, Fri, 2 Jul 2027.
In 2027 this falls during the school term for state and state-integrated schools.
Try your own dates in the leave planner →
If you work on the day
If a public holiday falls on a day you would otherwise work and you do work, the Holidays Act 2003 entitles you to be paid at least time and a half, and to an alternative holiday (a paid day off in lieu). If you would otherwise work but have the day off, you are paid as usual. Rosters, shift patterns and employment agreements affect the details, so check Employment New Zealand's guidance or talk to your employer.
Questions people ask
Is Matariki always on a Friday?
Yes. The legislated dates are all Fridays, so Matariki always creates a three-day weekend.
How far ahead are Matariki dates known?
The dates are set in law for many years ahead, so you can plan leave well in advance.
Ideas for the long weekend
Dark-sky places are ideal for seeing the cluster before dawn. Queenstown and Lake Tekapo areas in the South, or a clear night by Lake Taupō in the North, make memorable Matariki weekends. Start with: Taupō, Queenstown, Queenstown to Glenorchy road trip.
Plan a trip
Looking for somewhere else? Browse getaway ideas and road trips, or see every long weekend in 2027.
Other holiday guides: New Year · Waitangi Day · Easter · Anzac Day · King's Birthday · Labour Day · Christmas