Upcoming events Calendar.
Lantern Decorating Workshop
Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where whānau of all ages can decorate their very own light-up paper lantern to carry in the Light Up Whakatāne Parade on Saturday, 5 July.
Adult Lantern-Making Workshop with Kerry Limmer
Create your own recycled lantern for the Light Up Whakatāne Parade!
Opening Night: Light Parade, Dance Carnival & Community Celebration
Get ready for an epic launch night as Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne 2025 kicks off with a huge community celebration! This year, we’re combining the Light Parade, an electrifying Dance Carnival, and our Opening Ceremony into one magical night in the heart of town.
Bayleys Photobooth
Create unforgettable memories under the sparkling lights with a FREE photo session. Proudly brought to you by Bayleys Whakatane, supporting the glow and joy of our community once again. Don’t miss your chance to shine!
Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne - Art Trail
It’s back – and now in the school holidays! Join us for the annual Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne, as we transform the heart of our town into a glowing celebration of light, art, and community.
EPIC Light Up Whakatāne Storefront Competition
This is your chance to VOTE for your favorite business display and help them win the People's Choice Award!
Light up Festival Hub
Make the most of Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne 2025 by starting your evening at the Festival Hub — your go-to spot for info, atmosphere, and entertainment!
Kiwi Hub After Dark
Experience the magic of Whakatāne Kiwi Trust’s brand new Kiwi Hub – a fun and family-friendly stop along the Light Up Whakatāne trail!
Te Kōputu After Dark
Step into the glow of Light Up Whakatāne and experience Te Kōputu like never before – after hours and alive with art, stories, and creativity. ✨
Wednesday Wheels Night
Grab your wheels and hit the trail! Whether you’re on a bike, scooter, skateboard, or even a unicycle, this night is all about exploring Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne 2025 on the move.
River Edge Park Miniature Railway – Glows in theDark
All aboard for a glowing good time! The beloved “Glows in the Dark” evening returns to River Edge Park Miniature Railway—a family-favourite event that brings light, fun, and magic to the tracks.
GET INVOLVED
Get Involved in Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne 2025!
Join us on Tuesday, 18th March from 5 - 6:30 PM at the OLD Whakatāne i-SITE on the corner of Quay and Kakahoroa Dr for a FREE an exciting opportunity to see how you can be part of Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne 2025!
Lights on Parade
On the last Saturday of the festival, just before the light trail and festival ends, we hold our “Lights on Parade”
Light Up Your Bike Workshop
Join the Bike Whakatāne Trust for a Light Up Your Bike Workshop
Glows in the Dark - River Edge Park Miniature Railway
Glows in the Dark - River Edge Park Miniature Railway
Halo's Hidden Treasures
⚡️ We're joining forces with Light Up Whakatāne once again for the annual Light Festival
Trust Horizon Light up Whakatāne - Light Trail
Using the darkness of winter, Whakatāne's festival will be held over ten nights from 26th July to 4th August 2024.
Taketake at Twilight
For one night only, discover some of the taonga and special objects housed at Taketake in a whole new light!
Kiwi Light Trail
Kiwi Wandering Trail at Night, find the 9 bronze statues lit up for this years Light Festival.
Opening Ceremony
This is the first night of the 10 day festival and we will be opening the event in style!
Bayleys’ Photobooth
FREE photos under sparkling lights, capture the magic and celebrate with Bayleys - we hope to see you there!
Whanau Lantern Making Workshop
Bring your children along to this free workshop to make fun lanterns at the Whakatāne Library!
GLOWS in the DARK River Edge Park Miniature Railway
Our Annual 'Glows in the Dark' event held in conjunction with Trust Horizon's 'Light up Whakatane' event.
Have a Go skate day and Bowl jam
Lets Go Roller Blade Coach hosts two events alongside the Trust Horizon Light up Whakatāne
Taketake at Twilight
For one night only, discover some of the taonga and special objects housed at Taketake in a whole new light, with kaimahi and Whakatāne Museum Trustees sharing kōrero in celebration of the after hours living light exhibition.
Ignite with HALO
Activity: "Hidden Treasures" - Come check out HALO at 35 Quay Street and see how many hidden treasures you can find in our light up window display. Prizes to be won!
River Edge Park Miniature Railway
Our Annual 'Glows in the Dark' event held in conjunction with Trust Horizon's 'Light up Whakatane' event.