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Stargazing This Matariki: Our Fave Spots

22 Jun, 2022

Matariki is a time for reflection, celebrating the present and looking to the future - and for the first time in Aotearoa's history the whole country gets to honour this special time with a public holiday. The return of Matariki to our skies signals the beginning of the Māori New Year, so we're planning on getting up early, rugging up warm, filling the thermos and heading out to watch this epic star cluster rise again.

We might be biased, but we reckon Aotearoa is probably the best place in the world for stargazing. In most parts of the country you'll want to have a clear view of the horizon as Matariki will be low in the sky, and you'll want to look to the north east. The star cluster otherwise known as Pleiades will only be visible just before dawn so make sure you're looking to the sky from 5:30am.

Wondering where to go? Here are our top suggestions:

Head up your local maunga

Matariki will be visible across much of the country, so find your nearest maunga and soak up those views. If you're in Auckland we recommend Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill (or any of the other 48 volcanoes). For Wellingtonians, James Stellin Memorial Park on Tinakori Hill is the perfect spot. And if you're Tauranga based? You know exactly where to go... head up the mount nice and early for the best spot.

The darkest of skies

Want to get the best possible view? Aotearoa has the best of the best when it comes to International Dark Sky Sanctuaries and Reserves. Our fave spots are:

Aotea / Great Barrier Island - head off grid to this famously chill spot and see the best stars of your life... and so close to Auckland.

Takapo / Tekapō - probably the most famous stargazing spot in New Zealand and for good reason. With an average of 320 clear nights per year, it would be rude not to head here for Matariki.

Lake Pukaki - another spectacular Mackenzie Basin spot, you'll want to make sure you've got your camera at the ready as well as your blanket.

Wairarapa - currently applying to be certified as a dark sky reserve, the locals have known about this spot for a while. You might have to venture a bit further for this one, but it's worth the drive.

Rakiura / Stewart Island - the southernmost International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world and one of the only places you might get a glimpse of Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights as well as Matariki.

Let's go to the beach

Head to the east coast and dig your toes in the sand for some of the best Matariki viewing in the country. We're planning to hit up Orewa Beach in Auckland but just about anywhere will do - just make sure the coffee is hot because you'll want to stick around for sunrise too with the afterglow from Tonga's January volcanic eruption creating stunning mornings across Aotearoa.

See the stars without the early wake-up

Auckland's Stardome Observatory has all sorts of celebrations planned for Matariki, so if you're not much of an early bird then this is the spot for you. They're opening their doors to visitors free of charge all day on Friday, 24th June so you can get your star fix without that pesky alarm.

What to look for?

You've got your spot, you're ready to go... but there's actually quite a few stars up and it's hard to tell what's what. Look to the north east horizon and find the constellation Tautoro - you might know it as 'the pot' or Orion's belt. To the left of Tautoro is a bright orange star, Taumata-kuku (Alderbaran) and if you trace an imaginary line from Tautoro to Taumata-kuku and a bit further beyond you'll see a cluster of stars - Matariki! Star gazing apps can be helpful, we like Sky Walk 2 or Star Map.

It's all about the good vibes for this one! Get more information here and get some fantastic tips on how to enjoy the celebrations at home here. We hope you have a wonderful Matariki holiday from the North Beach team.

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