Your go-to guide to Matariki in Northland

Venture north this Matariki long weekend for the Bay of Islands Matariki Festival

Matariki, or Māori New Year, is New Zealand’s oldest recognised celebration of the New Year. It’s a time to gather together to reflect, celebrate and plan for the future.

2022 is the first year it’s celebrated as an official public holiday, and what better place to acknowledge the occasion than at the Bay of Islands Matariki Festival?

The significance of Matariki

Matariki refers to the star cluster that European astronomers named the Pleiades, which appears in the early morning sky during the mid-winter months in New Zealand.

With Northland’s minimal light pollution, the chances of seeing the constellation are high, making it the perfect spot to ring in Matariki.

Matariki is an important time for Māori to both remember those who have passed on and to plan for the year ahead. The Bay of Islands Matariki Festival was developed in collaboration with mana whenua, businesses and community groups as a way of connecting locals and visitors at this special time.

What’s on

Some of the festival highlights include:

• Saturday 25 June – Embark on a magical dawn cruise and watch Matariki rising, followed by breakfast on Urupukapuka Island.

• Friday 17 June – Learn the theory and practice of astrophotography at a 3hr workshop at Carrington Estate on the stunning Karikari Peninsula.

• Friday 24 June – Free activities all day across both the Paihia and Russell waterfronts with street food, storytelling, music, kapa haka plus an incredible fireworks and waka display in the evening.

• Saturday 25 June – Enjoy the return of live music with Salmonella Dub and

Tiki Taane playing in Paihia. • Saturday 16 July – Challenge your kids (big and small) to showcase their manu skills and make a splash off Russell Wharf.

Where to stay and eat

Local accommodation providers have put together special Matariki offers for all types of travellers.

• Orongo Bay Holiday Park: Family-friendly and affordable accommodation set amongst 14 acres of native New Zealand bush.

• Moon Gate Villa: A five star bed and breakfast boasting fine linen sheets, super king-size beds and a tranquil rural location.

Bay Sands Seafront Studios: Selfcontained serviced studio apartments located on Paihia’s waterfront.

Matariki is also a time to get together and enjoy some kai! Check out these top food experiences:

Saturday 16 July – Tohunga Tūmau: Puanga Matariki Dinner with Māori master chefs Rewi Spraggon and Grant Kitchen at The Duke of Marlborough Hotel.

• 1 - 26 June - enjoy a 7-course Taste of Matariki Degustation dinner at Terra Restaurant. Each course is named after one of the 7 stars of Matariki.

While you’re in the region, take the opportunity to experience more of what Tai Tokerau Northland has to offer. Walk in the footsteps of the great Polynesian explorer Kupe, at Manea Footprints of Kupe in Opononi, encounter ancient kauri trees in the Waipoua Forest, visit Cape Reinga and hike past ancient pā sites along the undulating Cape Brett Walkway.

Visit northlandnz.com/ northlandstyle for more Matariki long weekend inspo, matarikinz. com for more info on the Bay of Islands Matariki Festival and travel-booking.stuff.co.nz/dealsand-offers/northland for offers on accommodation and experiences.