Matariki ki MOTAT

Matariki is a star cluster that appears in the night sky in June or July each year, marking the beginning of the Māori New Year.

Unlike a constellation, which is made up of stars that only appear close together from Earth but may be far apart in space, a star cluster like Matariki consists of stars that are physically near each other. The Matariki cluster, contains around 500 stars, although only a nine are visible to the naked eye.

In Te Puawānanga, our science and technology centre, make a digital wish for the New Year to Hiwa-i-te-rangi (the star of wishes and aspirations) and see the beautiful artwork of Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho (Tūhoe/Ngāti Porou/Rongowhakaata/Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi/Ngāti Kahungungu).

Create and design your own whetū (star) to decorate your whare with and take part in the Mataraiki stamp trail and explore MOTAT - can you collect all the stars?
Embark on a journey through the night sky with Mānawatia a Matariki VR Experience, an immersive guide exploring and celebrating the Matariki cluster through storytelling and sensory design.

Included in General Admission.
Keep a look out for our Heritage trams that will be proudly displaying Matariki flags over the next two weeks too!