Tauranga's Matariki celebrations are in full swing and this Sunday the public will have a chance to participate in one of the most popular events.

Matariki Kite Day is returning for another year at Fergusson Park and promises another sky filled with a range of impressive kites.

New Zealand Kite Fliers Association member John Russell from Katikati has been flying kites for six years, ever since he had some time to fill after a hip operation.

He'll be bringing a selection of his best kites on Sunday and says his favourite kite is his ‘legs' – a pair of legs that flap about in the wind, maybe kicking a football or two around.

'The weather's meant to be fine, but as far as breeze goes, the fingers are crossed,” says John.

'There should be a sea breeze at Fergusson Park though, which will help. It's one of the best flying fields in the country.”

He attended last year and was amazed at the enthusiasm from the community.

'It was astonishing. The crowds were three times the expectation. We had big kites, but little wind. However, at about 3pm we managed to get some good kites up.”

Tauranga City Library events coordinator Daniel Petersen says Matariki has always been tied to the sky and the stars, which is why this event fits the celebrations so well.

He says the only way to experience the spectacle is first-hand.

'I went to the first one, not expecting much, but as I drove towards Fergusson Park I saw the kites filling the sky. There were hundreds – it was very impressive.

'They're far bigger than any other kites you've seen. Photographs just don't capture the sense of scale.”

Matariki Kite Day, a free event, is on Sunday, June 2 at Fergusson Park from 12-4pm.