The Matariki star cluster contains hundreds of stars but only nine are visible to the naked eye. Each of these nine stars has a distinct story and significance in Māori culture. 

According to one Māori myth, the cluster represents a whaea or mother - Matariki - and her six daughters Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Waipunarangi, Waitī, Waitā and Ururangi. 

As one of the star clusters nearest to Earth, this constellation is one of the most obvious to the naked eye. To find them, look to the northeast horizon before sunrise.  

With little light pollution, we've highlighted some of the best spots to stargaze.

_{Mt John Observatory near Lake Tekapō is the perfect place to stargaze. Photo: Dark Sky Project}

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Great Ride 

The world’s first gold-tier International Dark Sky Reserve, Aoraki Mackenzie, is near the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Great Ride. 

With wide, open vistas free from light pollution, it’s one of the world’s best places to see the stars. Those who live and work in and around it are dedicated to keeping the sky dark. This means you can see stars, planets, and the Milky Way in beautiful clarity. 

Find out more

_{The Milky Way seen from Naseby, Central Otago. Photo: Paul Bishop|Naseby Night Sky Tours}

Otago Central Rail Trail Great Ride

Central Otago is considered one of the best places in New Zealand for astronomy and astrophotography. With clear skies, low horizons, a dry atmosphere, and a southerly latitude, stargazing is a must-do when riding the Otago Central Rail Trail Great Ride. 

Stargazing tours are available in Naseby, and with another nod to the heavens, don’t miss the Interplanetary Ride with its scale models of the planets arranged in an orbit along the trail which radiates from the sun in Ranfurly. 

Read more about why stargazing is a rail trail must-do. 

_{There are plenty of spots to stargaze in and around Queenstown. Photo: Skyline}

Queenstown Trail Great Ride

Queenstown is another perfect spot for stargazers, particularly the Kawarau Gibbston Dark Sky Park.   

 If you decide to venture out at night, pick a clear night and venture out on any of the Queenstown Trails away from the towns. That way you’ll get great clear-sky views. Make sure to rug up super warm and have a great apres bike destination in mind to thaw out afterwards. 

Find out more

_{The clear skies over Featherston are spectacular}

Remutaka Cycle Trail Great Ride

At the bottom of the North Island, just an hour from Wellington, is the Wairarapa International Dark Sky Reserve. 

 As a Dark Sky Reserve, it means Wairarapa has one of the darkest and most pristine skies to see the stars. And one of the best places is Featherston, which is on the Remutaka Cycle Trail Great Ride. 

A number of  activities are happening in and around Featherston to celebrate Matariki. Find out more

Tips for stargazing 

• Choose a clear night. Check the forecast first and avoid cloudy nights 

• Find a spot with minimal light pollution. Areas away from artificial lights are perfect 

• Dress warmly and layer up. Temperatures can plummet at night  

• Stargazing apps may be useful in identifying constellations and planets  

• Check out a stargazing tour. There are many stargazing tour operators in areas around Aotearoa who offer professional guidance and insights into our night skies. 

Read more about the Great Rides and download a map of the whole network here