Alongside mid-winter, which is celebrated universally (at least to some extent), here in New Zealand we also celebrate Matariki. Matariki is a specific astronomical event when the constellation of Matariki (Māori name), also known as Pleiades (to the Greek) or Subaru (to the Japanese) rises above the eastern horizon . This marks the beginning of the new year in the Māori lunar (moon) calendar. Matariki was first celebrated as an official public holiday in New Zealand on 24 June this year.

This is a special time of reflection for the Māori people and has a special significance to me, as, being near mid-winter, it also signifies roughly the point from which days begin to get longer, which is a key representation of hope in my life.

To honour this event, I organised a 24h get-away for myself and my partner, one hour’s drive away, on the east coast to get the best view of Matariki and the planetary alignment that was also due around that time.

We stayed at an excellent airbnb location with a spa and, after some improvised hangi-style dinner, headed out to the beaches to do some astrophotography around 9pm. We returned to the airbnb around 11pm with both our noses completely numb from the cold, our fingers near-seized around our camera, and the most incredible feeling of achievement. I got some excellent pictures of Scorpius and the southern cross that evening.

Following this we enjoyed a much-needed spa, some hot drinks, and quickly tucked ourselves in for a short but deep sleep. I never plan things in halves and thus, in order to best capture the planetary alignment and some images of Puanga (another seasonal star a.k.a Rigel) we’d planned to wake at 5am to be at the coast by 5:30am.

I don’t think my partner was thrilled at the prospect of an early wake-up, but the promise of coffee in bed worked well to convince me it was do-able. Heading out once more, we were amazed to see 4 planets aligned with the moon in the middle of this line.

We got an decent view of Puanga, and were treated to a stunning sunrise. Soon after, came the realisation that we’d better warm up again lest we be unable to drive back to the airbnb (It was very cold!).

Making more coffee and tucking ourselves back into bed, we lazily thawed out, as the rest of the world awoke. What an incredible way to feel completely alive. 🙂

Thanks for reading.