How to find the stars of Matariki

This weekend, Aotearoa officially celebrates Matariki for the fourth time, marked by the reappearance of the star cluster in the night sky. Here's how to find them.

Waimirirangi Lee-Reiri
1 min read
The Matariki star cluster.
Caption:The Matariki star cluster.Photo credit:Supplied / Ngāi Tahu

Across different regions in Aotearoa, iwi may recognise different stars to mark the Māori new year. For some, it's Matariki, for others, it's Puanga.

The best time to find Matariki and Puanga is early morning, before sunrise.

This is a general guide and star visibility varies across New Zealand.

Tohunga Paraone Gloyne looks to the stars during the hautapu ceremony.

Tohunga Paraone Gloyne looks to the stars during a Matariki hautapu ceremony, 2022.

ERICA SINCLAIR

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A visual guide for how to find the stars of Matariki.

Waimirirangi Lee-Reiri

A visual guide for how to find the stars of Matariki.

Waimirirangi Lee-Reiri

A visual guide for how to find the stars of Matariki.

Waimirirangi Lee-Reiri

A visual guide for how to find the stars of Matariki.

Waimirirangi Lee-Reiri

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