Exploring the underground wonderland at Waitomo Caves. Photo / Shaun Jeffers
Exploring the underground wonderland at Waitomo Caves. Photo / Shaun Jeffers
With less than a month to go until Aotearoa marks its first Matariki as a public holiday, add these whānau-friendly events to your calendar.
Although Matariki has been observed since the first lights of ahi kā lit during long winter months, it is finally being recognised across New Zealand withcelebrations for all. Matariki is about renewal and acknowledging the changing seasons. It is a time for whānau (family), āko (learning), kai (food) and keeping the homefires burning.
Here are just some of the winter warmers and activities to tempt you outside as the temperature cools.
Ōtepoti Dunedin kicks off the Puaka Matariki Festival on Tuesday 21 June. The citywide programme of events includes performances, workshops and kōrero on astronomy and wellness concluding Sunday 3 July. Ākoranga (learning) and whānaukataka (community spirit) are the guiding lights of the programme. matarikidunedin.co.nz
TAUPŌ
For three nights only, Chris Jolly Outdoors will be leading a Matariki Dawn Cruise. The first cruise departs over Lake Taupō on June 24 before first light. A chance to welcome the new season and the arrival of the Matariki stars, seats are strictly limited. chrisjolly.rezdy.com
Dawn Cruise: See the last stars on Lake Taupo. Photo / Supplied, Love Taupo
NELSON-TASMAN
Nelson's Theatre Royale is preparing a magical take on Matariki with a giant puppet show for tamariki. Their Matariki Glow Show features glow-in-the-dark characters and sets which promise to be a highlight for whānau. theatreroyalnelson.co.nz
The Glow Show: glow-in-the-dark puppetry arrives in Nelson's Theatre Royale. Photo / Supplied
RUAPEHU
Join guide Willie Huch on a cultural tour of the Whanganui River. This overnight tour of te Awa will explore its prominence to local lore with waiata and campfire stories of Matariki. Owhango Adventures's guided trip takes place on 24 June. It is suitable for adults and children over five. canoewhanganuiriver.com
Join an overnight tour of te Awa, camping with Owhango Adventures. Photo / Supplied
ROTORUA
Those in search of winter warmers will be delighted by Rotorua's Matariki menu. Matariki Food Trail will lead visitors along highlights of the inaugural Matariki Dish Challenge. Some of New Zealand's best chefs have been asked to use traditional ingredients - from pickled pikopiko to cured Kahawai - to create dishes that convey the spirit of the festival.
The food competition is running from 13 June to 17 July with visitors encouraged to vote for overall best dish. waikatofoodinc.com
Exploring the underground wonderland at Waitomo Caves. Photo / Shaun Jeffers
WAIKATO
Waitomo caves are holding twilight cave tours of their glowworm caverns. With a welcoming powhiri and kawakawa tea, visitors will be able to enjoy the underground cosmos and followed by stargazing. Twilight tours are being led from 25 June to 1 July. There will also be a one-off, underground evening concert on the evening of 2 July, with a Matariki meal. waitomo.com
CENTRAL OTAGO
The popular Wintersteller Astrophotography Competition is running at Alexandra's Central Stories Museum between June 18 and August 24, promising some of the best shots of southern stars and auroral glows in Aotearoa. winterstellar.com
Also in Alexandra, the pre-dawn Matariki celebration is taking place at Pioneer Park on July 3. The family-focused event will let kids look at the skies through telescopes if the weather is clear, and there will also be the chance to take some VR headsets for a spin, to experience the stars as they would have been seen from waka voyages to Aotearoa.
There are several places holding astrophotography workshops and exhibitions this Matariki. Photo / Getty Images
NORTHLAND
Bay of Islands Matariki Festival runs from 17 June through to the end of July. The six-week celebration in the bays is a chance to try titiro ngā whetu (star gazing) on a Dawn Cruise out of Russell. Other events on the schedule include astrophotography and bone carving workshops, guest speakers, and a special Matariki dinner at Russell's Duke of Marlborough Hotel. matarikinz.com
BAY OF PLENTY
Throughout June and July, the Matariki Tauranga Moana festival will explore a range of ways to observe the Māori New Year with whānau and friends. The theme this year is Tupuārangi: Heavenly Treasures, with Tupuārangi the star that relates to collecting food from the sky. With a lineup of events celebrating stars, birds and winter fruits through food and performance, activities include cooking classes, a film festival and guest speakers.
Other highlights on the schedule include a workshop to make traditional balms from native plants, a family kite day, and a Matariki village market. mytauranga.co.nz/matariki
Birds of Lumos: TSB's Festival of Lights appears in New Plymouth for Matariki. Photo / Supplied
TARANAKI
On Saturday June 11, Parihaka Pā will be opening its doors to the public for the Taranaki Punga Festival. As the tradition of the local tangata whenua, "Punga" is celebrated rather than Matariki as a high point of the season. This is followed by Parihaka Puanga Kai Rau Festival on Sunday, inviting visitors to help prepare the Pā gardens for winter and sample seasonal kai. puanga.com
