What and who is Matariki?

Learn about the stars of Matariki, watch a video showing you how to find the cluster, and test your knowledge in our quiz.

What is Matariki?

Everything you need to know about the star and its cluster, when it rises, what it means, and how to pronounce it.

Matariki star facts

Get the facts about Matariki – a star cluster known worldwide and treasured in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Illustration of nine faces representing the nine stars of Matariki

There are over 500 stars in the Matariki cluster – but only a handful are visible without the use of a telescope. Each of the stars has their own unique characteristics that Māori acknowledge and honour. Meet the stars here!

Te Papa staff member Hauiti Gardiner talks to the camera. Behind him is a photograph of the night sky

Watch: How to find the Matariki star cluster

Educator Hauiti Gardiner shows you how to find the Matariki star cluster during the Māori New Year, which falls in the month of Pipiri (June–July).

A woven kite on a white background. The shape is like a fat 't' with whiskers.

Taonga and stars of the Matariki star cluster

There are nine stars in the Matariki star cluster, Pōhutukawa, Tipuānuku, Tipuārangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipunarangi, Ururangi, Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, and Matariki, Read about the connections between each of the stars and taonga in the Te Papa collections.

Photo of a country hut in the foreground and a star-filled night sky behind it

Quiz: How much do you know about Matariki?

You’ve read our Matariki resources – now it’s time to test your knowledge!