Matariki: The Maori Magical Star Festival

This year, the Lunar New Year falls on July 14th. At least for Maori! When the constellation Matariki lights up the winter sky over New Zealand, it means it’s time. Freely based on the ancient Maori proverb: “Go home and let the winds of your country cleanse your soul!”, New Zealanders are drawn to their homeland.

But leave your worries where you came from. Across the island, ancient Maori melodies resound, ancient legends are revived, and ancestral dances captivate everyone. Of course, you can also enjoy food to your heart’s content. The good news: the festival is also a real event for tourists.

In the Matariki Festival In Auckland from 11-22 July 2023, everyone can immerse themselves in Maori culture. In various locations around the city, New Zealanders celebrate ancient traditions, from bonfire rituals to mysterious dawn ceremonies.

In Rotora in the North Island, the focus is on culinary delights: local restaurants compete for the best holiday dish. There is no classic food, more emphasis is placed on local ingredients such as sweet potatoes or local fish. Some cooks are even experimenting with fern. After secret evaluation by the judges, the Matariki Champion will be crowned in August!

Tourism in New Zealand

Dances, food and horoscopes

Arrowtown presents “Kā Muriwai Matariki Arrowtown Lights,” a free three-day cultural event from April 14-16. July, with performances by local Kappa Haka school groups and spectacular light shows. Plus, an astrophysicist explains the wonders of the night sky.

Speaking of the night sky: Of course, visitors can also be dazzled by the magic of the stars. To do this, we go to a secluded place in nature before sunrise. Then look for Orion’s belt visible on the northeast horizon. If you let your gaze wander north, you will find a cluster of many young stars and you have already discovered Matariki. A nice cup of tea, a warm blanket, and a cozy legend fit in perfectly with this experience:

When heaven and earth parted, the god Tawermatia cast his eyes towards the sky, where they became stars. These stars shall henceforth be called Matariki. One of them is the star Urrangi, which is associated with the winds. And it is he who, year after year, invites Maori all over the world to their homeland and eases their sorrows.

Tourism in New Zealand

Dark sky venues for Matariki 2023

There are a few dark sky places in New Zealand, i.e. places where the sky is particularly dark at night and therefore ideal for stargazing. On a clear night, the sky here is covered with millions and millions of stars – an incredible sight. There are three places where you can experience matariki under the stars: in the Hauraki Gulf in Otia (Great Barrier Island) in northern New Zealand, in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve near Canterbury in the South Island or in the Southland in Rakiura (Stewart). island).

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