Nau mai, haere mai
Welcome to this year’s Te Anau Waitangi Festival, a celebration of unity, culture, and connection under the theme Ngā Rauemi o te Taiao, Nature’s Resources.
Join us as we honour Waitangi Day with a week of vibrant community events, storytelling, art, kapa haka, and kai. From bilingual storytime and nature-inspired workshops to our much-loved Family Fun Day at Lions Park, this year’s programme invites everyone to reflect, participate, and celebrate the richness of te taiao and te ao Māori.
Whether you're a local or visiting Fiordland for the first time, we welcome you to be part of this special kaupapa.
Waitangi Day at the Lions Park - 06 February
11:30am – Mihi Whakatau & Ngā Herenga Waka Kapa Haka
Opening ceremony and cultural performance.
12:30pm – Traditional Hāngi Served
Prepared by local whānau.
All afternoon – Festival Activities
Dr. Rock – Discover Te Anau’s Geological Story
A hands‑on activity for all ages exploring the rocks of Te Anau and the stories they tell about our local geological history. Identify “rock families,” compare low‑tide and high‑tide rock trays, explore erosion in action, and bring your own rocks for Dr. Rock to identify. Includes laminated rock ID cards and a geological map of the lake.Immersive cultural experiences like
Arts & craft stalls
Te Anau Raranga Rōpū
Kai Māori
Kemu with Fiordland Outdoor Playgroup
Te Anau School Kapa Haka
Giant sandpit & water slide
Before Waitangi Day
StoryWalk - "The Big Boil Up"This picture book written by Angie Belcher is a joyful celebration of kai, connection, and whanau. Discover framed pages along the walk through Te Anau Memorial Gardens.
NZ Flags in our main streetsFour significant flags will proudly fly above Fiordland streets: Tino Rangatiratanga flag, the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, the flag of New Zealand (NZ Ensign) and the Silver fern.
Bilingual Storytime 05 Feb3:10pm-3:30pm Join Catherine and Mel to hear stories such as ‘The Cats Pyjamas’ and ‘The Kauri Family’. Meet on the Village Green if weather allows, otherwise inside the Te Anau Library.
Collaborative Artwork 05 Feb3:30pm-4:30pm Help create a nature inspired art piece to be displayed in the Waitangi Art Exhibition! Meet on the Village Green if weather allows, otherwise inside the Te Anau Library.
