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matARiki Sculpture Trail
Tue
30 Jun
-
Sat
18 Jul
2026
Step into an immersive AR journey as the matARiki Sculpture Trail returns 17 June to 18 July. This unique augmented experience of sculpture invites you to explore the stories of Ururangi and celebrate the spirit of Matariki.
A Celestial AR Celebration of Māori Art – matARiki Sculpture Trail
- Masonic Park & Wharf Street, 59 The Strand & 1-28 Wharf Street, Tauranga
- Te Papa o Ngā Manu Porotakataka, 137 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui
Presented by Te Tuhi Māreikura Trust and curated by Te Tauranga Toi, the matARiki Sculpture Trail returns as an innovative augmented reality exhibition celebrating the rising of Matariki through this year’s theme, Ururangi: Gateway to the Stars.
Running from 17 June to 18 July, the trail explores the energy and influence of Ururangi, a star within the Matariki star cluster associated with winds, movement, and transformation – symbolising the pathways that carry us forward.
Returning for another year, the exhibition features digital artworks by leading Māori artists, transforming public spaces into interactive celestial galleries experienced through your smartphone or tablet.
Scan QR codes along the trail to reveal and interact with each artwork in real time, as digital sculptures appear seamlessly within the environment around you. The experience blends mātauranga Māori, contemporary storytelling, and technology, inviting audiences to explore themes of transition, connection, and renewal through both physical and digital spaces.
Follow on Instagram for updates, and capture your experience with the sculptures as you explore – share your moments and tag @matARikisculpturetrail and @mymatariki to be part of this evolving celebration of Māori art, storytelling, and innovation.
Also check out:
- matARiki AR Magic School Holiday Programme at Toi Tauranga Art Gallery at artgallery.org.nz, where tamariki aged 5–12 can get matARiki AR-inspired and create their own Matariki-themed masterpiece from 7–9 July
- matARiki AR Magic Quest with Tauranga City Council and Whats On Tauranga invites families to explore the matARiki Sculpture Trail through a guided, artist-led tour enhanced with augmented reality on 11 and 18 July.
With thanks to the support of Tauranga City Council, TECT, Toi Tauranga Art Gallery, Downtown Tauranga, and Mount Mainstreet.
Event Dates
June 17, 2026
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8:00 am
June 18, 2026
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8:00 am
June 19, 2026
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8:00 am
June 20, 2026
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8:00 am
June 21, 2026
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8:00 am
June 22, 2026
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8:00 am
June 23, 2026
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8:00 am
June 24, 2026
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8:00 am
June 25, 2026
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8:00 am
June 26, 2026
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8:00 am
June 27, 2026
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8:00 am
June 28, 2026
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8:00 am
June 29, 2026
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8:00 am
June 30, 2026
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8:00 am
July 1, 2026
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July 2, 2026
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July 3, 2026
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July 4, 2026
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8:00 am
July 5, 2026
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8:00 am
July 6, 2026
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8:00 am
July 7, 2026
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8:00 am
July 8, 2026
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8:00 am
July 9, 2026
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8:00 am
July 10, 2026
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8:00 am
July 11, 2026
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8:00 am
July 12, 2026
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July 13, 2026
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July 14, 2026
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8:00 am
July 15, 2026
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July 16, 2026
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July 17, 2026
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8:00 am
July 18, 2026
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8:00 am
Workshop
Join our hands-on Popping Boba workshop. You’ll learn the science behind these juicy flavour bursts and create your own colourful popping pearls from scratch. Experiment with flavours, get creative with colours, and discover how to turn simple ingredients into something seriously cool. Best of all, you’ll get to take your homemade boba home (if you don’t eat it first!). Registrations essential.
7 Jul
Workshop
Hawkins Community Open Day - Tauranga High and District Court Project Rā Tuwhera a Hapori - Te Koti Matua Me Te Koti A-Rohe O Tauranga The community is invited to a special open day at the Tauranga High and District Court construction site, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s major public projects.
14 Aug
Talk / lecture
Inachord Singers Tauranga are proud to invite you to a warm, community‑minded afternoon with Southland soprano treasure Deborah Wai Kapohe. Deborah will share stories from her extensive and varied professional career — a life lived across opera, contemporary Māori music, musical theatre, songwriting, guitar performance, arts leadership, and law. Bring a cushion (though seats provided!) and your favourite mug to maximise feeling at home, and settle into a relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere as she opens the door to her creative world with humour, insight, and generosity. Following an intensive workshop the day prior, the afternoon will also feature a small selection of songs from both Deborah Wai Kapohe and Inachord Singers Tauranga, offering a gentle touch of live music to complement the storytelling. With afternoon tea available, free tickets for children under twelve and a portion of proceeds supporting local charities, this gathering promises inspiration, wonder, beauty, and through fellowship, genuine community spirit. Come for the stories, stay for the songs, leave with connection.
23 Aug
