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Every year, when winter arrives in New Zealand, something very special happens in the sky. A group of stars called Matariki rises just before dawn. This marks the Māori New Year and brings people together to celebrate life, remember loved ones, and plan for the year ahead. The celebration is known as the Matariki Festival in New Zealand, and it is one of the most magical cultural experiences the country offers.

If you are planning to visit during this time, this guide will help you understand what the festival is all about, where you can celebrate it, and how to prepare for your visit. Make sure you check your NZeTA Visa Status and Submit NZeTA Online before travelling to New Zealand.

What is Matariki and Why is it Celebrated?

Matariki is the Māori name for a group of stars known internationally as the Pleiades cluster. When Matariki appears in the sky around late June, it signals the start of the Matariki Festival in New Zealand.

For Māori people, Matariki is a time of:

• Remembrance: Honouring loved ones who have passed away.
  
• Celebration: Giving thanks for the present.
  
• Hope: Setting intentions and goals for the future.
  

It’s not just a star-gazing event. The Matariki Festival is deeply spiritual and meaningful. It is about reconnecting with nature, family, culture, and community. New Zealand has now made this a public holiday, showing just how important it is for everyone, not just Māori people.

When is the Matariki Festival Celebrated?

The Matariki Festival in New Zealand happens each winter when the Matariki stars first appear. In 2025, the Matariki public holiday will be celebrated on Friday, 20 June. However, the celebrations usually last for a few weeks before and after this date.

If you want to see the stars, the best time is just before sunrise. You need to find a dark, open space with a clear view to the northeast. On a clear morning, you will be able to spot the star cluster twinkling in the sky.

Best Places to Celebrate the Matariki Festival in New Zealand

Where you choose to celebrate Matariki Festival in New Zealand can make a big difference to your experience. Some places offer beautiful natural views, while others have cultural events and performances.

1. Auckland

Auckland hosts many Matariki events. You can join dawn gatherings on Mount Eden, One Tree Hill, or Bastion Point. These high places are perfect for watching the stars and joining community celebrations. You can also enjoy cultural performances, light shows, storytelling sessions, and art displays across the city.

2. Rotorua

Rotorua, a city known for its Māori culture, is one of the best places to celebrate Matariki. Local tribes hold traditional ceremonies like the Hautapu, which includes prayers, songs, and food offerings. The city also hosts family-friendly activities such as music, dancing, and craft-making.

3. Wellington

In Wellington, events like Matariki Ahi Kā light up the waterfront with fires, performances, and fireworks. You can also enjoy storytelling, food festivals, and educational workshops that explain the meaning behind the celebration.

4. Christchurch

Christchurch offers cultural shows, star-watching events, and light displays in local parks and museums. It’s a great place for families to enjoy the festival in a peaceful environment.

5. Great Barrier Island

For a more natural experience, Great Barrier Island is one of the best places to view the Matariki stars. It is a Dark Sky Sanctuary, meaning there’s no light pollution. You can see the stars clearly and feel connected to the land and sky, just like Māori ancestors did.

How Can You Join the Celebrations?

Anyone can take part in the Matariki Festival in New Zealand. You don’t have to be Māori to join the events. The festival welcomes everyone with open arms. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Wake up early and join a dawn ceremony.
  
• Visit local marae (Māori meeting grounds) to learn about traditions.
  
• Listen to stories from elders about the Matariki stars.
  
• Enjoy local food made using traditional methods.
  
• Join craft workshops where you can make Māori art or decorations.
  
• Watch performances like kapa haka (traditional Māori dance).
  

Remember, it’s not just about the stars. It’s about community, culture, and connection.

Travelling to New Zealand for Matariki? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you are visiting New Zealand during the Matariki season, it’s important to make sure all your travel documents are in order. Most visitors need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).

Here’s what to do:

1. Check your NZeTA Visa Status: Before booking flights, go to the official New Zealand immigration website and check your visa status.
   
2. Submit NZeTA Online: It only takes a few minutes. You’ll need a valid passport, a recent photo, and a credit card to pay the small fee.
   
3. Wait for approval: Most applications are approved quickly, but it’s good to apply early.
   

This will ensure you can enjoy the Matariki Festival in New Zealand without any travel stress.

Why the Matariki Festival in New Zealand is Special

The Matariki Festival in New Zealand is more than a holiday. It teaches us to slow down, think about our loved ones, and set positive goals for the future. In a world that moves too fast, Matariki helps us reconnect—with ourselves, our families, and the universe.

It also gives international visitors a beautiful chance to learn about Māori culture in a real and respectful way. It’s a festival full of warmth, learning, and joy.

Final Thoughts

The Matariki Festival in New Zealand is a time of magic, meaning, and togetherness. Whether you’re stargazing on a hill, listening to traditional songs, or enjoying a warm meal with locals, the experience is sure to stay with you forever.

So if you’re planning a trip, check your NZeTA Visa Status and Submit NZeTA Online well in advance. Once you land, get ready to witness one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and heartfelt celebrations.