What is Matariki – your ultimate guide
As the first light of Matariki rises on the eastern horizon, Aotearoa enters a season of reflection, renewal and connection. This year’s theme, Matariki herenga waka, speaks to the idea of bringing people together, like the lashing of canoes, united with a shared purpose.
In Tekapo / Takapō, beneath some of the clearest skies in the world, this is a time when those connections feel especially powerful.
Join us in Tekapo / Takapō this Matariki and experience the night sky as it’s meant to be seen.
A cluster that connects us
Matariki is an open star cluster, formed from a single cloud of gas and dust, now stretching across the night sky as a loose family of stars. While many more exist within the cluster, in Aotearoa we traditionally recognise a group of nine stars, each with their own meaning and connection to the natural world and to people.
Across different iwi and regions, the number of stars acknowledged can vary. Some celebrate seven, while others look to a single star, Puaka (Rigel), which rises above the horizon earlier and is used to mark the new year in parts of the South Island where Matariki is harder to see due to the surrounding mountains.
Around the world, this cluster is known by many names and stories. Often referred to as the Pleiades, it is one of the most recognised star clusters globally, with hundreds of cultural interpretations reflecting our shared fascination with the night sky.
Here in Aotearoa, Matariki carries deep cultural meaning, guiding seasonal change, signalling new beginnings, and inviting all people to take part in its celebration.
Experience the stories of Matariki through guided stargazing at Dark Sky Project.
Finding Matariki in the night sky
Spotting Matariki can feel like a quiet moment of discovery.
In Aotearoa and the southern hemisphere, look first to the eastern horizon and find Orion’s Belt, known as Te Tautoru or ‘the pot’. From there, trace your eye to the left until you see two bright orange objects – the star Aldebaran and, at times, the planet Mars. Just beyond them, you’ll find the cluster of Matariki.
(If you’re viewing from the northern hemisphere, Orion appears differently in the sky. Start by finding Orion’s Belt, then follow the line in the opposite direction across the sky to locate the cluster.)
But understanding Matariki goes beyond simply seeing it.
Traditionally, the stars are read together, in relation to one another. Each star carries meaning, and their brightness and clarity can signal what the year ahead may bring – from the wellbeing of the land and waters to the abundance of food sources. A bright, clear star might indicate a strong season, while a dim or obscured one can point to more challenging conditions ahead.
For Kāi Tahu and Māori, these observations are deeply connected to understanding the environment and seasonal cycles. Stars such as Waitī and Waitā relate to freshwater and ocean food sources, while Tupuānuku and Tupuārangi connect to food grown in the ground and gathered from the sky. Together, they form a system of knowledge that guides how people live with and respond to the natural world.
Even the timing matters. Matariki must be observed during a specific lunar phase in Pipiri, when the moon sits in Tangaroa near the end of its third quarter. Only then is it read for the year ahead. Celebrations follow, marking a time to gather, reflect and look forward.
Let our expert guides help you uncover the meaning behind the stars on your visit.
A place to pause, reflect and reconnect
Matariki invites us to slow down. To remember those who have come before us. To celebrate where we are now. And to look ahead with intention. In Tekapo / Takapō, under vast, unspoiled skies, that invitation feels easy to accept.
Whether you’re travelling with whānau, friends, or simply seeking a moment of stillness, this is a time and place to reconnect, with each other, with the environment, and with the stories written in the stars.
Plan your visit to Dark Sky Project and be part of the Matariki season.
Celebrate together this Matariki
Across Aotearoa and beyond, Matariki is being embraced as a moment of unity. A chance for everyone, no matter their background, to come together and take part.
At Dark Sky Project, that sense of shared experience comes to life beneath a sky that feels both ancient and timeless. It’s a reminder that while the stories may differ, the stars above connect us all.
Book your Matariki experience today and share the wonder of the night sky in Tekapo / Takapō.