Celebrate Matariki Under the Stars in the Wairarapa: A Time to Remember, Celebrate, and Look Forward

Matariki, the Māori New Year, is a time of reflection, renewal, and connection. As the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) reappears in the winter sky, it signals the end of one year and the beginning of the next — a sacred moment in the Māori calendar that invites us all to pause and reconnect with what truly matters.

Closely tied to the maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar), the rise of Matariki marks a time for:

Remembrance – Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki, holding space for grief, memory, and love.
Celebration – Coming together with whānau and friends to give thanks for the present, for our people, and the blessings of the year gone by.
Aspiration – Looking to the future with hope and intention, setting goals and embracing the promise of a fresh start.

There is no better place to connect with the spirit of Matariki than in the Wairarapa — a region renowned for its powerful connection to the night sky, and home to Aotearoa’s only Dark Sky Reserve.

Why Wairarapa?
With its world-renowned dark skies and clear winter nights, the Wairarapa offers the perfect setting to connect with the stars and the stories they tell. From stargazing tours to cultural events, Matariki is brought to life across our region with a calendar of celebrations hosted by local communities.

✨ Stay With Us At The Swan - Check Out Our 'Dark Skies' Room
At The White Swan Hotel, we're proud to offer our Dark Skies suite — inspired by the awe of the cosmos and the beauty of our local skies. This luxurious room features a super king bed, dark moody décor with gold accents, and a balcony overlooking the charm of Greytown’s Main Street. It's the perfect base for your Matariki weekend.

Explore the Cosmos with Star Safari
Just a short drive away in Carterton, our friends at Star Safari offer a unique stargazing experience led by passionate local astronomers. With powerful telescopes and expert storytelling, you’ll journey through constellations, planets, and beyond.

Join the Matariki Celebrations
The entire region is alive with Matariki events — from kai and kapa haka to storytelling, music, and art. Explore the full programme here.

Celebrate Matariki Under the Stars in the Wairarapa.