Five days in Kāpiti for the Māoriland Film Festival
Every March, Ōtaki comes alive with stories from across the globe as the Māoriland Film Festival takes centre stage. As the largest international Indigenous film festival in the Southern Hemisphere, it is a powerful celebration of Indigenous storytelling and creativity, bringing together films, thought-provoking kōrero, art, music, and community on the Kāpiti Coast.
Here's how to make the most of your Māoriland Film Festival experience while discovering the best of Ōtaki.
For festival details and to book tickets, click here.
Māoriland Film Festival
Date
24-28 March 2026
Time
Various times
Location
Ōtaki, Aotearoa New Zealand
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Calendar
MFF day one: Tuesday 24 March
Opening night at Māoriland Film Festival
Arrive in Ōtaki and settle into the vibrant atmosphere. Explore the programme and soak up the buzz as filmmakers, artists and storytellers gather from around the world. Don't miss the keynote address from actor and producer Te Kohe Tukanka, then take your seat for opening night film Uiskaringitara, a captivating epic historical drama blending the supernatural with a powerful Arctic love story.
Māoriland Film Festival
Stay at Littel Ōtaki
42 Dunstan St, Ōtaki
Retreat to Littel Ōtaki, a stylish boutique stay offering a mix of contemporary studio rooms and spacious one and two bedroom apartments. Thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind, each suite provides a calm, modern space to unwind after a day of films and festival buzz.
Littel Ōtaki
MFF day two: Wednesday 25 March
Morning treats at The Blackhood Bakes
218 Main Hwy, Ōtaki
Start your first full day of festival fun with coffee and bakery treats from The Blackhood Bakes on the old main highway. Known for artisan sourdough loaves, legendary pies, flaky pastries and indulgent sweet treats, it's the perfect way to fuel up before immersing yourself in the day's screenings.
The Blackhood Bakes
Festival screenings
Head back into town for a full day of films, including selections from the Whānau Shorts, Rangatahi Taiao Shorts, and Whenua Shorts. These curated sessions of short films showcase powerful Indigenous storytelling across generations and landscapes, a day to settle in, watch, and the let the stories unfold.
Festival screenings
Stretch your legs along the Chrystalls Bend Walkway
Between screenings, take a gentle stroll along the Chrystalls Bend Walkway. This scenic trail winds through young native bush to the tranquil Chrystalls Lagoon. With peaceful riverside scenery and sweeping views of the Tararua Range, it's the perfect way to recharge and reflect before heading back to your next session.
Chrystalls Bend Walkway
MFF day three: Thursday 26 March
Art beyond the screen at Toi Matarau Gallery
68 Main Street, Ōtaki
Begin your day immersed in creativity at Toi Matarau Gallery, located within the Māoriland Hub. This dynamic space showcases Māori and Indigenous art in all its forms from traditional weaving and carving to contemporary works. It's a powerful extension of the festival itself, offering another way to experience Indigenous storytelling beyond the screen.
Toi Matarau Gallery
Lunch at Kōwhai Eatery
174 Main Hwy, Ōtaki
When it's time to refuel, head into the main highway and slip into the bright, welcoming Kōwhai Eatery. With a cabinet brimming with irresistible treats and a menu featuring fresh brunch and lunch options, it's the perfect place to pause, recharge, and fuel up before your next film.
Kōwhai Eatery
Powerful storytelling
Return to Māoriland for more screenings and special events, including The Bones of Our Past - the story of Takahanga Marae. This moving documentary follows the reconstruction of the wharenui, Maru Kaitatea, at Takahanga Marae in Kaikoura, enabling the people of Ngati Kuri, Ngai Tahu to reestablish their cultural identity and status as tangata whenua at Takahanga Marae.
Māoriland Film Festival
MFF day four: Friday 27 March
Morning screenings
Day four kicks off with Mana Moana Mana Tangata. Thirty years after the landmark Sealord Settlement, this powerful feature documentary goes inside the Māori fishing world to ask what tino rangatiratanga on the ocean really looks like today. A powerful David-and-Goliath story of endurance, strategy and cultural revival, led by those who live its legacy every day.
Māoriland Film Festival
Fresh air and ocean views
After the morning's screenings, head to Ōtaki Beach to soak up the fresh sea air. This raw and authentic Kiwi coastline stretches for miles and is perfect for a leisurely walk, a refreshing swim, a surf, or trying your luck with a surf cast at the river mouth.
Ōtaki Beach
Art that sparks conversation
84 Moana St, Ōtaki
While at Ōtaki Beach, step into Hori Gallery, to explore the bold, playful, and thought-provoking works of contemporary Māori artist Hori. His art challenges convention and sparks conversation, making it a perfect stop during the festival. Finish your visit with a kawhe next door at Te Church Cafe before heading back into town for your next screening.
Hori Gallery
MFF day five: Saturday 28 March
Step back in time at Ōtaki Museum
49 Main St, Ōtaki
If you have time between screenings, wander over to the Ōtaki Museum, housed in the former BNZ bank on Main Street. Explore fascinating exhibits that showcase the town's heritage and the wider Kāpiti-Horowhenua.
Ōtaki Museum
Lunch at HiMate
50 Riverbank Rd, Ōtaki
Take a well-earned break with a relaxed lunch at HiMate, a local favourite in Ōtaki. Enjoy fresh, flavourful kai, great coffee, and a friendly, welcoming atmopshere.
HiMate
Festival finale
Throughout the day, enjoy the Native Minds kōrero, where filmmakers share their creative journeys and the inspiration behind their works. Wrap up your festival experience with the closing night film, Mārama, followed by the Māoriland Red Carpet Party, a lively celebration of five unforgettable days of Indigenous storytelling, art, and culture.
Māoriland Film Festival