Ōpōtiki isite Visitor Information Centre

09/07/2025

Still buzzing! Such an honour to be nominated for the Event Awards again 🎉 So proud of our little town — Ōpōtiki shining bright once more! 🌟

ŌPŌTIKI MATARIKI FESTIVAL NAMED FINALIST IN TWO NATIONAL AWARD CATEGORIES

For the second year running, the Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival has been named a finalist in the prestigious New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) Event Awards.

More Below⬇️

08/07/2025

Nau mai, haere mai e te whānau. 😊

What ever the occasion, we may have the perfect gift - or gift for yourself - in store here at isite. 🎁

👐Come for a browse in store and let our friendly staff help you find what you are looking for. 👃🌲 From home and car scents to personal scents, beautiful Rongoā, skin care and the good old kiwi winter foot ware! 🩴

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07/07/2025

We've done it again, e te hapori! 🎉

Our hearts are bursting with joy as we announce that the Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival 2024 has been named a finalist in not just one, but TWO categories in the NZEA New Zealand Event Awards 2025!

✨ Best Arts, Cultural or Heritage Event 2025
✨ Best Community or Not For Profit Event 2025

This incredible recognition wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of our amazing community. To our organisers, sponsors, kaimahi, attendees and everyone in between —thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your hard work and commitment to making last year’s festival a phenomenal success. Your passion and dedication truly illuminate the spirit of the Ōpōtiki Matariki Festival! 🌟

Please keep an eye out for when voting opens for the People's Choice Award!
Thank you again for your continued support. Together, we are making waves in the events world and showcasing our beautiful Ōpōtiki 🎆✨❤️

You can learn more about the event awards and see who were up against on the official NZ Events Association website: www.nzea.co/awards

02/07/2025

🌌 Mānawatia a Matariki, Ōpōtiki 🌌

This year’s celebrations were truly something special, and that’s thanks to each of you. 🤩🤩

To the sponsors, organisers, performers, volunteers, and attendees—thank you for helping the community create a season full of light, learning, and aroha. ✨

If you have any beautiful stories, photos or videos from the celebrations, please share them below or email to [email protected] — you’ll go in the draw to win some cool prizes! 📸🎁

Ngā mihi nui, Ōpōtiki. Your spirit and support make Matariki shine even brighter. Until next time… 🌠

Sponsors:✨The Lion Foundation - Trust Horizon - BayTrust - Ōpōtiki District Council

Matariki Street Party:✨IllumiNgāti - TJ & Huri - Rockup Adventure - Gather & Co - Flying Pictures - Ōpōtiki isite Visitor Information Centre - Thomas Mitai

Independent Organisers:✨Motu Trails Cycleway - KŌ Kollective Trust - Te Tāwharau o te Whakatōhea - Te Tāhuhu o Te Rangi - Ōpōtiki District Library - De luxe Theatre - Opotiki Golf Club

01/07/2025

🌟Help Shape Future Matariki Festivals! 🌟

Kia ora whānau! As we wrap up another beautiful Matariki celebration, we're already looking ahead to the future — and we need your help.

We're inviting our community and extended communities to share your thoughts by filling out our quick online Matariki Festival Survey. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps us improve and grow these celebrations for years to come.

💬 What did you love?
🌌 What could be better?
🎉 What would you like to see next time?

Every voice counts, and your whakaaro (thoughts) help guide us to make each Matariki even more meaningful and memorable.

👉 https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/36bfa9cd3e4f4bf285461beba9a1a849

Ngā mihi nui for your support — let’s keep building something special together. ✨

28/06/2025

🌟 Opening Act Announcement: IllumiNgāti! 🎶

We’re kicking off the Ōpōtiki Matariki Street Party with a powerhouse performance by IllumiNgāti at 3PM sharp! 🔥

Hailing from Tai Tokerau, this dynamic group is known for their soulful blend of roots reggae and waiata Māori. With powerful vocals, catchy melodies, and smooth musicianship, they bring big energy and good vibes to every stage.

Their iconic waiata ‘Proud To Be Māori’ is an anthem of identity, pride and unity – and we can’t wait for them to set the tone for an epic afternoon.

Don’t be late — IllumiNgāti will start us off strong!
📍 Ōpōtiki Town Centre | 🕒 Sunday 3PM – 6PM

27/06/2025

🎉 Line-Up Update! 🎶

We’re stoked to announce that TJ & Huri will be joining IllumiNgāti for the line-up for this year’s Ōpōtiki Matariki Street Party! 🌟🎤

Can’t wait for this one! 👌🏽

📅 This Sunday
🕒 3PM – 6PM
📍 Ōpōtiki Town Centre

Come celebrate Matariki with kai, entertainment, and good vibes for the whole whānau. Bring your coats, your cousins, and your dancing shoes – it’s going to be a special one!

Nau mai, haere mai ki Ōpōtiki takutai na taiao
Welcome from the Ōpōtiki isite Team ♥

27/06/2025

🌟 POSTPONED: Matariki Street Party 🌟

Kia ora whānau – due to the rainy forecast for Saturday, we’ve decided to postpone the Matariki Street Party 🌧🌧

GOOD NEWS! Sunday’s weather is looking great – and all the fun, food, music, and tamariki activities are still on! 🎉

✨ New Date: Sunday 29 June
🕐 Time: 3pm – 6pm
📍 Church Street, Ōpōtiki

🎶 IllumiNgāti will kick off the party at 3pm – don’t miss this powerful live performance to light up the afternoon!

Please spread the word and bring your friends and whānau down to celebrate Matariki tomorrow in Ōpōtiki📲

26/06/2025

🌟 POSTPONED: Matariki Street Party 🌟

Kia ora whānau – due to the rainy forecast for Saturday, we’ve decided to postpone the Matariki Street Party 🌧🌧

GOOD NEWS! Sunday’s weather is looking great – and all the fun, food, music, and tamariki activities are still on! 🎉

✨ New Date: Sunday 29 June
🕐 Time: 3pm – 6pm
📍 Church Street, Ōpōtiki

🎶 IllumiNgāti will kick off the party at 3pm – don’t miss this powerful live performance to light up the afternoon!

Please spread the word and bring your friends and whānau down to celebrate Matariki with us this Sunday📲

26/06/2025

Mother Nature has decided to make new plans for Aotearoa 🌧🌧 Due to this we’ve made the call to postpone the Matariki Street Party - This is to ensure everyone can enjoy the celebration safely and comfortably.

GOOD NEWS! Sunday’s weather is looking great – and all the fun, food, music, and tamariki activities are still on! 🎉

✨ New Date: Sunday 29 June
🕐 Time: 3pm – 6pm
📍 Church Street, Ōpōtiki

🎶IllumiNgāti will kick off the party at 3pm – don’t miss this powerful live performance to light up the afternoon!

Please spread the word and bring your friends and whānau down to celebrate Matariki with us this Sunday📲

25/06/2025

🌝🌠Matariki mini Market 🌠🌝Tangaroa ā mua

On TONIGHT at Opotiki isite!!! Just follow the lights 💫💫 Celebrate Matariki, while enjoying good food, retail therapy and community connection.

Whether you're in the mood for savory bites or sweet treats, there’s something for everyone with our variety of kai trucks and as the night draws in, these warm treats will comfort you in this mid-year chill. 🚚🚐🙌

Explore a selection of market stalls showcasing handcrafted goods and unique finds. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover special gifts, support local artisans✨🛍

RED DOT SALE (40% off) selected items in-store at Ōpōtiki isite Visitor Information Centre

We look forward to seeing you there! 🫵🫵

24/06/2025

Excellent! 👍The dedication to keeping the tracks clear and safe pays off with the amount of users we see on the daily 🤗. Nice one Motu Trails Cycleway 🙌🏽

25 June Pakihi track update >>

Pakihi Track is reopen, the slips from the mid-June storms have been cleared.
At any stage check motutrails.co.nz for trail conditions (under experience) or just contact us direct.

(Note that the 'closed' sign is still at the top, we'll get that down asap.)

file photo — 3km above Pakihi hit, Neil Hutton.