Aronui Matariki Drone Show Set to Illuminate Rotorua Lakefront as New Zealand's Largest Aerial Display

Aotearoa's largest drone show in history is set to take centre stage over Lake Rotorua as part of the 2026 Matariki celebrations. The Aronui Arts Festival is bringing the coordinated aerial display back to the Rotorua Lakefront from July 9 to 11, offering a spectacular fusion of indigenous storytelling and modern technology. The production, titled 'Matariki', was written by Cian Elyse White, Mataia Keepa, and Anaha Hiini. According to details shared by the NZ Herald, the performance will bring the stories of the stars to life against the night sky, accompanied by a rich soundscape featuring taonga puoro (traditional Māori instruments), waiata, and narration. The composition for the event was created by Jimmy Colbert. Scheduled for 8:00 pm each night, the free event also includes pre-show music from performers such as concert pianist Jack Moser to engage the crowds before the drones take flight. The festival aims to create a deeply immersive cultural experience that connects the community with the significance of the Māori New Year. Beyond Rotorua, Northland is also highlighting Māori heritage this winter through tourism experiences like Footprints Waipoua. The Hokianga-based tours offer a Māori Cultural Eco Night Tour where local experts share the deep spiritual connection and legends associated with the sacred kauri forest. These encounters allow visitors to engage with the oldest and largest known kauri trees, which act as silent guardians of the land’s history. Further south, the geothermal heritage of Ngawha Springs continues to provide a place of restoration. The site features 16 naturally heated pools, which have been used for generations by both locals and visitors seeking the therapeutic mineral properties of the mid-north’s geothermal waters.