Mānawatia-ā-Mātariki  - Dawn Stargazing at Space Place 

Ka puta Matariki ka rere Whānui. Matariki reappears, Whānui starts its flight.

Ko te tohu tēnā o te tau e! The new year begins.

The Matariki star cluster appears in our morning sky in midwinter, signalling the transition to spring and eventually to summer. To many iwi, the rising of Matariki signifies the Māori New Year.

In Pōneke and other regions where the rising of Matariki is partly obscured by the landscape, the rising of the star Puanga star is an important marker for the Māori New Year.

Join us at Space Place for two early morning sessions where we will watch Matariki and Puanga rising on the planetarium screen, preparing you to find these markersi with the naked eye when they rise above Pōneke in June. We will also discuss the season’s significance to mana whenua and allow a peaceful moment to reflect upon the year gone, and the one to come.

Kai includes porridge with toppings, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and kawakawa tea.

Weather permitting, you can use our telescopes to search the early morning sky.

Bookings essential. Select your session from the dropdown below.

Tuesday 11 & 18 June | 5am-7am

Space Place

Adults $5

16 & under free