Matariki at Pūkaha

Across Matariki, Pūkaha will be showcasing its rich Māori heritage.

Go on their two-hour cultural tour, Te Hīkoi o Pūkaha and learn about Māori kōrero (stories), traditions and mythology from the ngahere (forest). Finishes with fry bread and Kawakawa tea. See the Pūkaha website for times and bookings. Adults $65, Children $32.50.

Maybe take a stroll to the whare whakairo (carving studio) and talk to kai whakairo (carvers) tapping out carvings for the reserve. The whare is free to access and located just to the right of the Visitor Centre (when you look at it) next to the carpark.

Also free to enter it is the centre’s Kākā Café. During Matariki from the 19th of June until the end of July the cafe will run some specials inspired by Māori cuisine. Try their kumara, pork and watercress pie or the secret recipe mussel fritters. Younger diners might be game enough to try The Milky Matariki Way Drink-shake. A designer concoction that mimics the night sky and contains Coca-Cola vanilla ice-cream, blueberry syrup, whipped cream, white chocolate whetu (stars) and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

If you choose to enter the reserve then make sure you receive the hapori (locals) rate which gives those in Eketāhuna a 50% discount. This makes entry for Adults $11, Children $3.50 or a Family Pass (two adults and up to four children) just $27.50. Whilst there whānau can see the new pou (signposts) that whakapapa to atua (gods), ancestors and the creatures of the forest. Rukuhia ngā whetu o Matariki – Find the stars of Matariki. Learn about the stars of Matariki that are hiding in the forest near these pou and enter the prize draw to win some awesome prizes.

Visitors to the centre can also leave a message of hope, celebration or remembrance at the harakeke whetu (flax star) nightscape display that will be set up at the Visitor Centre from the 19th of June until the end of July. With so much to do, what will you choose?

Queen’s Birthday Fun at Pukaha 5th – 7th June Queens Birthday long weekend.

Kids exploratory treasure hunt. Journey through the forest to hunt out ancient fossilised remains and claim a special keepsake. Use the map provided to locate the clues. Free activity with every paid
entry into the reserve. Every completed entry wins a keepsake!

Chasing ZERO Predator Hunting Hui 20th June 2021, 9am – 3.30pm

Come to Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre and learn tips, trapping tricks and predator insights from resident trapping expert – John Bissell. This is an opportunity for trappers to spend a day with John and learn what actually works. Much of his advice you won’t find in a manual. It’s built up over his 30+ years of experience “out there doing it”. This is also a chance for trappers to get answers to those burning questions that will improve trapping skills, knowledge, and results. John’s delivery style is an active one and he promises that it won’t be boring! Tickets available from eventfinda.co.nz. Adults $30. Seniors / Students / Children $25. Includes lunch, morning tea, entry to reserve and prize draw. Limited tickets available so get in quick.