Matariki, also known as Pleiades, is a cluster of stars which is visible in the Eastern sky from mid-Winter. Iwi in parts of our Far North rohe (region) celebrate Puanga, which is the star Rigel in the Orion constellation, as it was difficult to see Matariki from their locality. Traditionally the reappearance of Puanga followed by Matariki heralded the Maori New Year, Te Tau Hou Māori.
Karakia – ‘incantations’ – are said to honour the rising of Matariki and to celebrate the New Year. The various stars in the Matariki cluster are associated with different environmental domains: earth, sky, fresh water, salt water, rain and wind. There is also a star that is connected to those who have passed during the year and another that is connected to our wishes.
After time out on the water, we will head to Urupukapuka Island where you will enjoy a delicious light breakfast at Otehei Bay Café.
The boat will return from Otehei Bay at 8:30am and will have you back to the mainland at approximately 9:15am. If you would like to extend your time on the island, there is also an option of returning on a later ferry at 1:45pm - bookings are essential
Includes:
- Cruise through the inner islands of the Bay to experience Matariki rising at dawn
- Stargazing with informative commentary from our onboard guides and tohunga
- Complimentary tea and coffee onboard
- Island stop at Otehei Bay Café on Urupukapuka Island for breakfast, with your choice of either a continental breakfast (including Granola and Fruit Salad) or a Cooked Breakfast (including Bacon, Eggs, Beans and Toast) served with tea, coffee and juice
