A record 550 drones will light up Rotorua’s night sky next month in a stunning display of light, sound and Māori storytelling to honour Matariki.

Starting at 8pm on Thursday, July 9, and running for three nights until Saturday, July 11 (weather dependent), the Aronui Arts Festival’s free Matariki Drone Show will feature a 550- drone visual experience – the largest fleet Aronui has ever flown.

Te Arawa artists work closely with Aronui to create a production that combines cutting-edge aerial technology with mātauranga Māori to honour the cultural observance.

This year’s theme, Matariki herenga waka – for everyone, is about bringing people together across cultures, communities, and backgrounds, and reinforces that everyone has a place in the kaupapa. The show will tell the story of Matariki and honour those who have passed since its last rising, lifting their memory to the stars where they will forever be remembered by their loved ones.

This year’s magical soundscape has been designed by award-winning music producer Jimmy Colbert (Te Arawa, Ngāpuhi), who worked with local tohunga reo to enhance the story of Matariki and her children – a cluster of nine stars that govern different parts of the environment.

Last year, Aronui’s Matariki Drone Show attracted more than 36,000 people to Rotorua’s lakefront across two nights, drawing visitors from across the motu.

Aronui chief executive and artistic director Cian Elyse White said the team was proud to bring the free community event back in 2026, despite the challenges of funding a production of this scale.

“We believe deeply in the kaupapa and the positive impact this event has on our multicultural community each year. It’s incredibly meaningful seeing thousands of people come together to celebrate, reflect and connect through Matariki.”

The full performance will be broadcast live on Te Arawa FM at 8pm each night, so those around the lake can listen to the story while watching the show.