Every year in the middle of winter, the Matariki star cluster rises, ushering in the Māori New Year. It represents a time to gather with whānau and friends, reflect on the past, honour the present and look forward to the future.
“We believe this to be the first re-introduced indigenous holiday anywhere in the world,” says Maori astronomy expert Dr. Rangi Mātāmua. “All other (New Zealand) celebrations have essentially been imported, but this is unique and special to who we are in the world and where we are today.”
Matariki is also known as the Pleiades star cluster and can be identified by the seven star ‘sisters’. For people around Aotearoa wondering how to find the Matariki star cluster, there are a number of opportunities up and down the country.
The best time to see Matariki
According to NIWA meteorologists, people living in the North Island are likely to get the best views of the Matariki star cluster, particularly on Friday morning.
Cloud cover allowing, Matariki comes into view as a small pulsating collection of stars just above the northeastern horizon. This happens shortly before sunrise.
Forecaster Seth Carrier says conditions vary around New Zealand, but if lucky with cloud breaks, the best viewing will be in the North Island on Friday morning.
“For most of the North Island and the upper and eastern South Island, there will be scattered clear breaks prior to sunrise on Friday. This will also be the case for a few places on Saturday morning,” he says.
However, more widespread cloud cover will make Matariki viewing difficult across most of the country on Sunday.
The NIWA weather team have prepared forecasts for early morning cloud cover so whānau around the country can plan their best chances of seeing Matariki rise.
Regional forecasts are available at Matariki Viewing Conditions and will be updated daily.
Where is Matariki in the sky?
You can spot Matariki by looking at the recognisable star groups, such as the Southern Cross (Te Punga) and Orion’s Belt (Tautoru). See below a helpful diagram of where to find Matariki in the sky.
The best places to see Matariki
Aotearoa is fantastic for stargazing as there are many places around the country with low light pollution. Those in the main cities can drive out to the countryside, or if you’re lucky enough, head to one of the country’s Dark Sky Sanctuaries.
Aotea (Great Barrier Island)
About a 30-minute flight from Auckland is Aotea, Great Barrier Island, one of the world’s few Dark Sky Sanctuaries. You can find fantastic stargazing opportunities from about anywhere on the island, ranging from forested hills to sandy beaches. The guides from Good Heavens offer wonderful stargazing tours, sharing their expert knowledge of the night sky.
The Ātea a Rangi, Waitangi Regional Park, Hawke’s Bay
Ātea a Rangi is a celestial star compass located in Waitangi Regional Park in the Hawke’s Bay. It is used to teach traditional Māori navigation methods and tell stories of those who navigated the oceans to arrive and settle here in Aotearoa. Visitors can join a tour with the Ātea a Rangi Educational Trust to learn more about the site.
Wairarapa
Just an hour from Wellington, you’ll find Wairarapa, a stunning region with big skies that has recently earned official Dark Sky Reserve status from the International Dark Sky Association, making it one of the most accessible spots for a bit of winter stargazing.
Takapō/Lake Tekapo
The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in the South Island is no doubt one of the best places to stargaze in New Zealand. It’s the first reserve to be awarded gold status due to having nearly non-existent light, making this place a truly breathtaking spot to see Matariki and other constellations.
Both Dark Sky Project and Big Sky Stargazing offer knowledgeable stargazing experiences with telescopes and astro-binoculars that give dazzling views of the night sky.
Otago Peninsula, Dunedin
From Dunedin you can not only see Matariki, but under the right conditions, be able to witness the dazzling Aurora Australia, Southern Lights. Horizon Tours offer unique stargazing experiences from a Māori perspective, where you can learn about Māori creation myths and how ancestors navigated the ocean using the night sky.
Rakiura/Stewart Island
Rakiura (Stewart Island) is another Dark Sky Sanctuary and one of the best places to see the Aurora Australis, Milky Way and Matariki. Because of its location far south, stargazers on Rakiura have the special opportunity to see celestial features that can be seen anywhere else in the country. Rakiura National Park, home to one of the country’s Great Walks, is a perfect location to spot shooting stars and constellations.
