Rangitīkei’s best spots to catch Matariki
June 20, 2022
Tuesday 21 June, 2022 marks the shortest day of the year and the best time to catch the Matariki constellation. Set your alarms, wear some warm clothes and grab the binoculars for your best shot of witnessing the marvel that is Matariki.
How do I spot Matariki?
Matariki sits in the North Eastern skies and can be spotted just before the sunrises, around 6.30am.
Check out this helpful resource from Te Papa Museum for instructions on how to find the constellation.
Clear skies offer the best chance of seeing Matariki so keep an eye on the weather forecast. If you don’t catch anything tomorrow try again another morning. Matariki will be visible in our skies until around the end of the June.
We’ve put together a list of stargazing spots across Rangitīkei.
Mount Stewart Reserve, Taihape
Mount Stewart is situated at the base of the gumboot. Park up along the main road and make the short but steep ascend to the top. When you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with a tower that offers a 360-degree stargazing platform.
Mount Curl Road, between Hunterville and Marton
Take a drive along Mount Curl Road. There are plenty of prime vantage points and safe parking spots about half way up, whether your coming from the North or the South.
Rātana Pā Junction, Rātana
Perched high on the West Coast, stargazing points don’t get much better than Rātana Pā. Turn off by the green shed and head up the junction road. Stay safe by avoiding parking on SH3.
Dudding Lake, Turakina
Follow the 2km loop around Dudding Lake, southeast of Turakina and take your pick of vantage points along the way.
Your own backyard
Stay cosy in your pyjamas and step out into the comfort of your own backyard. If you live in a rual area away from urban lights you’ll have more chance of catching Matariki in action.