As the days get colder, thoughts of warmth, delicious kai and Matariki reflection make for a special winter ahead. Over June, July and August, Te Puia is launching Winter Hākari Nights – with foodie events each month to experience – perfect for corporate groups to come and check out. Book now www.tepuia.com/winter
JUNE
Matariki buffet dinner
Experience seasonal dishes connecting to:
- Tupuānuku – the whetū (star) associated with food grown in the ground.
- Tupuārangi – associated with food that comes from above, such as berries and birds.
- Waitī – connected to fresh water and all of the creatures that live within rivers, streams and lakes.
- Waitā – associated with the ocean, representing the many kinds of food gathered from the sea.
The featured kai in the buffet dinner includes steamed garlic and watercress green lip mussels, BBQ tuna (eel) with dry-fried noodles and shiitake mushrooms, smoked kahawai pie, roast vegetable salad with pistachios, almonds, sesame, fennel and horopito, mānuka smoked king salmon, wild NZ venison osso bucco merlot and a lot more.
Every Thursday & Friday night
$99 per adult
Table of 10 – $899
JULY
Mid-Winter Christmas
Warm your spirits this Mid-Winter Christmas and celebrate with your colleagues or whānau – start with a festive eggnog on arrival, then enjoy a buffet dinner featuring Christmas turkey, mānuka smoked ham, seasonal sides, and classic pavlova to finish.
Every Thursday & Friday night
$99 per adult
Table of 10 – $899
AUGUST
Six Senses: A Culinary Journey
6-course degustation with drink pairings
Let your senses lead the way through an unforgettable evening of flavour and aroma. Each course in this carefully crafted degustation draws inspiration from seasonal ingredients, cultural connection, and culinary creativity — designed to awaken a different sense with every bite.
From the earthy essence of Aotearoa’s native ingredients to the vibrant freshness of the coast and forest, every dish is paired with a perfectly matched wine or handcrafted beverage to enhance the experience.
Every Friday night during August – $150 per person (including paired drinks) Table of 10 – $1350
JUNE
Matariki Hautapu Ceremony and Whānau Day – 20 June
5am – 7am
Our Matariki Hautapu Ceremony will showcase a deep respect for ancestral practices that acknowledge the past, present, and future through three key parts of the dawn ceremony.
The first part, Te Tirohanga, looks to the stars for forecasts. Based on these observations, tohunga make predictions about the upcoming year.
The second part, Taki Mōteatea, remembers loved ones who have passed away since the last appearance of Matariki. By calling out the names of those who have passed in the presence of the star cluster, Māori believe when Matariki rises again, those spirits become stars in the sky.
The third part, Te Whāngai i ngā whetū, means ‘feeding the stars’. Kai (food) representing each of the four different stars associated with food is gathered and cooked in umu, then the steam is released into the sky as an offering that replenishes the stars.
The act of gathering, sharing kai, singing waiata and telling stories fosters a sense of community and collective identity. It provides an opportunity for individuals to come together, reconnect with their environment, and find solace in the company of others.
Matariki Whānau Day
9am – 3pm
Enjoy a fun day with your whānau, including scenic train rides through Te Whakarewarewa Valley to see Pōhutu Geyser in action. Take part in pā activities such as tītī tōrea (stick games), poi and haka.
Expand your knowledge with Matariki wānanga with NZ Māori Arts & Crafts Institute and see carving, weaving, pōhiri and cultural performances. Explore the Matariki taonga market with contemporary Māori artists and especially for the tamariki, there’s a bouncy castle, crafts and face painting. Feed the whānau delicious kai from Pātaka Kai, Hiakai Café, and market food stalls.
