A Complete Guide to Matariki in New Zealand

What is Matariki?

Matariki is the Maori name for the Pleiades star cluster, and it marks the beginning of the Maori New Year. When the cluster rises in late June or early July, it signals a time for remembrance, celebration, and looking forward to the future.

In 2022, Matariki became an official public holiday in New Zealand, making it one of the first countries in the world to recognise an indigenous celebration as a national holiday.

The Nine Stars of Matariki

In Maori tradition, the Matariki cluster consists of nine stars, each with its own name and significance:

• Matariki — the mother star, connected to health and wellbeing
• Tupuanuku — connected to food grown in the ground
• Tupuarangi — connected to food from the sky (birds, berries)
• Waiti — connected to fresh water and its creatures
• Waita — connected to the ocean and its creatures
• Waipuna-a-rangi — connected to rain
• Ururangi — connected to the winds
• Pohutukawa — connected to remembering the departed
• Hiwa-i-te-rangi — connected to wishes for the new year

How to Celebrate

There are many ways to celebrate Matariki:

• Attend a dawn ceremony or community event
• Go stargazing to spot the Pleiades cluster
• Share a meal with whanau (family) and friends
• Plant a tree to mark the new year
• Visit a museum or gallery for Matariki exhibitions
• Join a kite festival or lantern parade

Where to Celebrate Matariki

Major cities across New Zealand host Matariki events. Some top recommendations include:

• Rotorua — immersive Maori cultural experiences
• Wellington — Te Papa museum events and city-wide celebrations
• Auckland — Matariki festival with concerts, markets, and more
• Gisborne — as the first city to see the sun, it holds special significance

Stargazing Tips

To see the Matariki cluster, look towards the north-eastern horizon in the pre-dawn sky during late June and early July. The stars are best visible on clear, dark nights away from city lights.

Dark sky reserves like Aoraki Mackenzie offer the best viewing conditions, but you can spot the cluster from anywhere in New Zealand on a clear night.