Matariki, the Māori New Year, is when the star cluster (also known as Pleiades) appears in Aotearoa’s early morning sky. It will be celebrated on June 28 this year.

Māori traditionally celebrated Matariki after harvesting winter crops. It’s a time to remember and honour those who have been lost since the last rising of Matariki; to celebrate the present, to give thanks for what we have and to look forward to the coming year. One Māori myth has the cluster representing a whaea or mother – Matariki – and her six daughters.

Although the Matariki cluster contains hundreds of stars, only nine are visible to the naked eye. To find the constellation, look to the north-east horizon, search for Orion’s Belt or Tautoru, then shift your gaze north until a cluster of stars appears roughly as wide as Tautoru is long. These form Matariki. The best viewing time is just before dawn.

Matariki is a public holiday and provides a good opportunity to head into the hills to view this constellation. Here are some great viewing destinations.

1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Known as one of the best day hikes in the world, try beating the crowds by going at night. Start around 2am to arrive at Red Crater at dawn. Snow skills and equipment will be required at this time of year.

2. Aotea Great Barrier Island

Aotea is the first island in the world to be designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary with “an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights”.

3. Rakiura Stewart Island

Light pollution is exceptionally low and the stars are brilliant on Rakiura. It is one of only a few places where you could catch a glimpse of Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights.

4. Mackenzie Basin

Take any walk near Tekapō or Lake Pukaki in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

5. Your local maunga

If you can’t manage a mountain on the 28th, climb a local hill that gives a view to the north-east horizon, such as One Tree Hill in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, or James Stellin Memorial Park on Tinakori Hill in Pōneke Wellington.