Matariki is being celebrated by young and old alike, with many events being held over this weekend.

From Coromandel to Te Puke, we have captured a few moments from some of these celebrations.

In Whitianga, locals had a lot of beach front fun, toasting marshmallows at the ‘Night Strider' event.

Lighting up the night at the Whitianga Night strider event. Photo: Coromandel's CFM.

Toasting marshmallows at the Whitianga Night strider event. Photo: Coromandel's CFM.

Te Puke

In Te Puke on Friday over 10,000 turned out at Jubilee Park for Te Kete Matariki – Te Puke, delighting the organisers with the high level of enthusiasm and crowd interaction.

'Before we say pōmarie we want to mihi to each and every one of you who came to tautoko Te Kete Matariki - Te Puke and made it an amazing wonderful day,” say the organisers on their Facebook page.

'Just so you know whānau we hit 10.5k people attending. We've been aiming for that for the past three years and you did it. Ka rawe!”

Live performances with Kapa Haka took place on the stage as the community turned out in record numbers to celebrate Matariki.

'Whaea Tatai and her team hit the biggest number of hangi at an event ever - prepping, cooking and serving over 1,500 hangi Te Kete Matariki - Te Puke whānau!!!!!! What an amazing achievement. Ka Nui te mihi to you & Mr T and the whole crew for an outstanding feat! Im sure that all those who bought & ate their hangi appreciated everything that went into it! KA RAWE!”

Pāpāmoa Beach Village

At Pāpāmoa Beach Village, residents thoroughly enjoyed an evening of entertainment from singers and ukulele players.

Singers and ukelele players at Papamoa Beach Village. Photo: Papamoa Beach Village Residents Facebook page/Toni's granddaughter.

"Thankyou to the organisers of our Village Matariki celebrations - great evening's entertainment from singers and ukulele players - photos show intense concentration from some budding stars there.

"Followed by an appropriate menu for the night - all beautifully presented. Thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thankyou Toni and her beautiful granddaughter for the photos."

Polar Plunge at Waihi Beach

At Waihi Beach it was time for a polar plunge as buzzy bees, a toy soldier, a solo squid, butterflies and people dressed in pink, green and many other colours and costumes took to the water. Prizes were awarded for best costumes in a multiple number of categories – the crazier the better.

Waihi Beach Polar Plunge. Photo: Sue Groenewald.

'What a wonderful way to re-set, start the day and look forward to a new season,” says one of the organisers on the Waihi Beach Surf Lifesaving Club page.

Over 110 brave people took to the water and braved the 10 degree Celsius chill factor.

'It was loads of fun and sure blew away any cobwebs! Cheers to our awesome team of lifeguards, Board members and whānau for volunteering today to support this awesome event!”

Waihi Beach Polar Plunge. Photo: Sue Groenewald.

Pāpāmoa

Over 30,000 people came out on Friday evening to enjoy the transformation of Te Ara ō Wairākei - Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve into a glowing light trail telling the story of the stars of Matariki.

'Manawatia a Matariki Pāpāmoa! Thank you for all the support of our beautiful community,” says Papamoa Unlimited's organiser Julia Manktelow. 'We are blown away.”

Te Ara ō Wairākei trail was illuminated with lighting installations until 11pm on Friday to celebrate the nine stars in the constellation of Matariki, while a large screen at the beginning of the trail near Pāpāmoa Plaza played Te Iwi o Matariki.

The stage at Te Ara ō Wairākei - Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve. Photo: Chris Taylor.

Te Ara ō Wairākei - Pāpāmoa Stormwater Reserve lit up for Matariki. Photo: Chris Taylor.