Te Manaaki Returns To Light Up Auckland's Heart This Christmas!
The magical tree that brought Auckland together last Christmas is coming back to Te Komititanga for 2025 and is lighting up the square once more with an evening of music, laughter and Christmas lights!
The giant Christmas tree shines nightly from 6pm with a light show every ten minutes.
Adding to the magic, cheerful Christmas music fills the air Thursday to Saturday, playing for three minutes at the top of each hour between 6 and 9pm.
While Te Manaaki remains at Te Komititanga until 4 January 2026, be sure to catch the festive lightshow and music before it ends on 26 December 2025!
Christmas Tree (Image Credits: Sacha Stejko)
Christmas Tree (Image Credits: Sacha Stejko)
Christmas Tree (Image Credits: Sacha Stejko)
Christmas Tree (Image Credits: Sacha Stejko)
Christmas Tree (Image Credits: Sacha Stejko)
A joint gift to the city from Heart of the City and Precinct Properties, with support from Auckland Council via the city centre targeted rate, Te Manaaki is quickly becoming one of Aucklandâs enduring Christmas traditions. Te Manaaki transforms Te Komititanga (adjacent to Commercial Bay and the WaitematÄ Station (Britomart)) into a vibrant, festive hub creating a welcoming focal point for celebration and connection in the city centre, the home of Christmas!
Standing 18.4 metres tall, with a 15-metre steel frame, 2-metre base and 1.4-metre star topper, Te Manaaki is a permanent structure designed to return year after year. It is wrapped in more than 10,000 LED lights, 4,000 PĆhutukawa flowers and 200 stainless-steel baubles, creating a glow that fills the square and reflects across the harbour.
Named by NgÄti WhÄtua ĆrÄkei, Te Manaaki means respect, care and hospitality â words chosen to reflect Aucklandâs spirit of generosity. The structure was built from long-life materials including steel, aluminium and stainless steel, designed for reuse over many seasons.
All photography by Sacha Stejko.
Voices behind the celebration!
Viv Beck, Chief Executive of Heart of the City, says "Last year, we watched thousands gather to see the tree light up for the first time. That moment showed how much Aucklanders value being part of something shared - itâs now becoming a must-visit tradition of its own. The Christmas period is a key trading time in city centre, and the tree is a unique drawcard bringing vibrancy and excitement, as we activate with a programme of wonderful festive events.â
Scott Pritchard, CEO of Precinct Properties says "Te Manaaki is a long-term investment, a high quality and welcoming focal point that is part of the evolving Christmas story in city. Itâs something that Aucklanders and visitors can look forward to each year and an added reason to shop, dine and celebrate in the city.â
Te Manaaki is a gift for the city from Heart of the City and Precinct Properties, with support from Auckland Council via the city centre targeted rate.
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