Matariki Moonlight Lantern Walk ~ Fri 10th July 5:30-8:00pm

Join the Matariki Moonlight Lantern Walk at Ambury Farm!

A evening for our local community to come together to celebrate Matariki with a magical evening of community, crafting, and nature. Hosted by Friends of the Farm, this free family fun event lights up the Māori New Year.

When & Where

• Date: Friday 10 July 2026 – Ambury Regional Park
• 5:30 PM: Gather at the farm barn to craft your custom tin-can lantern.
• 6:30 PM: The group departs together for a scenic hīkoi (walk) along the foreshore and farm paddocks with the lanterns we have made.

What to Bring

• One empty tin can per person filled with frozen water (essential for hammering out your lantern design safely). Spares are available if needed.
• Warm winter clothing to stay cozy during the outdoor walk.
• All-terrain wheels: The farm tracks are bumpy and muddy, making them suitable for mountain buggies but not standard strollers.

What is Provided

• Free Kai: Enjoy a sausage sizzle, hash browns, onions.
• Sweet Finish: Warm up after the walk with hot chocolate and delicious home baking.
• Tools: All necessary hammers and equipment for lantern making will be ready in the barn.

Please arrive on time so the community can set off on the walk together.

The lantern is a symbol of lighting and brightening the path for the Māori new year. Traditionally, the star Puanga (Rigel) and the star cluster of Matariki (Pleiades) appears as a sign of the new lunar cycle in Aotearoa.

Click here to read about the success of last year.