Take me to: Auckland Zoo

Twenty years – that's how long we've lived at our house in the bush.

For most of those years, I've heard a fellow night owl calling – the characteristic more-pork - in the wee small hours but have I ever spotted the elusive ruru? No. There might be a better chance of seeing one by heading to the zoo during Matariki.

As they say, when the sun goes down, the stars come out. Next month, Auckland Zoo, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Western Springs College host two night events where the emphasis is on kai, waiata, kapa haka, tākaro (games), Kōrero Pūrākau (story telling) and kararahe (animals) encounters with some of our indigenous nocturnal stars like kiwi, tuatara and ruru.

Aotearoa's Phantom Studios presents its Matariki-themed interactive art installation and, along with hourly waiata and kapa haka, there's weaving workshops, craft stalls and the all-important animal encounters. Kai includes hangi dishes (meats and vegan/vegetarian options).

Auckland Zoo's Matariki evenings (free for children up to 14 years, and $10 for adults) are on Saturday, July 6 and July 13 (5-8pm) as part of the 2019 Matariki Festival and Elemental Tāmaki Makaurau. Tickets from aucklandzoo.co.nz