Matariki Arrowtown Lights

Matariki Arrowtown Lights is a 3-day cultural event taking place in the heart of Kā muriwai/Arrowtown.

Join us for this celebration of the inaugural Matariki public holiday experienced through visual storytelling, stunning light displays and projections down Buckingham Street.

Every night till 10pm
Buckingham Street will be lit up with light installations and displays by the South Island Light Orchestra (SILO). Arrowtown Museum are hosting an art exhibition "Stories of Matariki" by students of Arrowtown Primary School. Other students have also got actively involved in the event by producing a large 3D outdoor display and an animated projection retelling the story of Matariki
Bring your family and friends to marvel at the beauty of the lights and performances, over the weekend, visit your favourite stores and cafes, dine at your favourite restaurant or listen to the live music planned and enjoy the beauty of Kā muriwai/Arrowtown this Matariki.

FRIDAY 24th JUNE 2022
3pm-6pm
Join us for the official opening of Matariki Arrowtown Lights on Buckingham Green at 3pm. The afternoon will commence with a mihi (welcome) followed by a karakia and songs by the Waiatatia group.
Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult accompanied by Olivia Jones (Ngai Tahu Maori young leader representative) will officially turn on the lights.
Enjoy the kapa kaka performances by local preschool and primary schools in our district and kai from local food vendors as the Preschool fundraiser, sponsored by Bayleys Arrowtown.

6pm-8pm
One of the world’s pre-eminent astrophysicists, Brian Boyle will share the wonders of the clear Otago night skies, and his photographs of Matariki in an interactive session next to the Arrowtown Museum.
Bring your own binoculars or camera and look for yourself under Brian’s guidance, particularly as the Milky Way is rising on the 24th June so plenty of magnificent sites are visible.

8pm
Whina at Dorothy Browns as part of the Māori Film Festival. Whina follows the life of trailblazing Māori leader Dame Whina Cooper, who spent her life breaking boundaries, speaking for the rights of Māori, and fighting for the land. Book tickets online at https://www.dorothybrowns.com/films/now-screening or call (03) 442 1964 to reserve your seat(s).

SATURDAY 25th JUNE 2022
5pm
Whale Rider at Dorothy Browns as part of the Māori Film Festival. Whale Rider is a contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Māori girl fights to fulfil a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognise.
7.30pm
Hunt for the Wilderpeople at Dorothy Browns as part of the Māori Film Festival. Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a film about a young Māori boy called Ricky Baker who runs away to the wild when his foster mother dies. However, his cantankerous uncle Hector joins him and gets to know him better on their way out of the wild.

SUNDAY 26th JUNE 2022
10am-2pm
Join us for the More FM Markets on Library Green at 58 Buckingham Street. A selection of local artisans will be selling fresh produce, arts and crafts.
2pm
Waru at Dorothy Browns as part of the Māori Film Festival. Waru is a powerful, challenging story surrounding the tangi (funeral) of a small Waru boy who dies at the hands of his caregiver and how his death impacts the community.
5pm
Whina at Dorothy Browns as part of the Māori Film Festival. Whina follows the life of trailblazing Māori leader Dame Whina Cooper, who spent her life breaking boundaries, speaking for the rights of Māori, and fighting for the land.

Matariki Arrowtown Lights is proudly brought to you by the Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association in conjunction with the Arrowtown Charitable Trust and is made possible thanks to the generous funding and support of:

Central Lakes Trust
Queenstown Lakes District Council
Community Trust South
New Zealand Community Trust
Te Hau Toka
The Southern Lakes Events Investment Panel, Destination Queenstown, Lake Wanaka Tourism & Tourism Central Otago