Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027

Te Matatini is the largest celebration of Kapa haka (traditional Māori performing arts) excellence in the world. It encapsulates the power and beauty of Kapa Haka at the most elite level as groups from Aotearoa and Ahitereiria compete for the coveted title of National Champion.

The competition began in 1972, originally as the New Zealand Polynesian Festival involving 17 groups performing in front of 5,000 spectators.

From 23rd to 27th February 2027, 57 groups will perform on stage at Hopuhopu in Waikato to an expected audience of approximately 100,000, and over 2.5 million viewers on TV or online.

We want all ages, from kōhanga to kaumātua, to experience authentic kapa haka, which strengthens whānau wellbeing and te reo Māori.

We are honoured to welcome kaihaka, supporters, whānau, and visitors to Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027.

Nau mai ki Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027
Join us at Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027

About tickets

Single day tickets and 5-day tickets types are available by age:

Kaumātua | Senior - This ticket is for pāhake (65+ years of age).
Kaumātua tickets provide discounted entry to Te Matatini 2027.

Pakeke | Adult - This ticket is for pakeke (18-64 years of age).

Taiohi | Youth - This ticket is for taitamariki (12-17 years of age).

Tamariki | Child - This ticket is for tamariki (5-11 years of age).

Kōhungahunga | Infant - (0-5 years of age) are FREE with a paid adult.

Rātu  |  Tuesday 23 February – Te Ihu Pool

Rāapa  |  Wednesday 24 February – Te Haumi Pool

Rāpare  |  Thursday 25 February – Te Kei Pool

Rāmere  |  Friday 26 February – Te Awa Pool

Rāhoroi  |  Saturday 27 February – Finals | Te Matangirua

Gates open one hour before the first group on stage.

Park & Ride

As there is no public parking available at the festival venue, A Park n Ride service is included with your Te Matatini ticket, providing transport to and from the festival. Your designated Park & Ride site and further information will be provided.

View the competition schedule below to help guide your ticket selection.

Ticket Terms and Conditions

By purchasing tickets to Te Matatini you accept the following conditions:
·  All tickets are non-refundable, NO EXCEPTIONS. We do not offer refunds on tickets unless the festival is cancelled.
·  If the festival is unable to take place on the 23 Feb to 27 Feb 2027 ticket holders will be refunded the face value of their tickets.
·  Ticket holders’ consent to being filmed, photographed, and recorded at the festival.
·  Ticket holders agree to the Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027 T&C's and code of conduct which can be found on our website.
·  Event attendees will not be able to drive directly to the festival site and must use the provided Park & Ride service for transfers to and from the festival site.

Click here to see the full Ticketspace Terms & Conditions of purchase

What happens after buying my tickets online?

You will immediately receive your confirmation email from Ticketspace with your receipt via the email address on your order.

On the 1st of December 2026, you will receive an email to select your preferred Park & Ride location, once selected your tickets will be issued.