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Matariki in Horowhenua

Matariki in Horowhenua: A Time to Reflect, Celebrate, and Look to the Stars

As the stars of Matariki rise once again, signalling the Māori New Year, Horowhenua invites you to reconnect — with the whetū, with your whānau, and with the whenua. Our district, nestled between the Tararua Ranges and the Tasman Sea, comes alive each June with a rich tapestry of Puanga Matariki celebrations, heartfelt community events, and some of the best stargazing spots in the country.

Whether you're drawn to dawn ceremonies steeped in tradition, night markets filled with local flavour, or quiet moments under a star-speckled sky, Horowhenua is the perfect place to experience Matariki in all its beauty and meaning.

Celebrate Puanga Matariki

Throughout June, Puanga Matariki is celebrated across the district with a programme of free and low-cost events designed to bring people together. Highlights include:

Te Putanga mai o Matariki

Wrap up warm and bring the whānau down to join local iwi, Muaūpoko, for a hautapu ceremony to welcome in Matariki on Thursday 19 June. 

Matariki ki Ōtauru (Shannon)

On Friday 20 June, Te Maire Park becomes a hub of community celebration, with hāngī, live entertainment, tamariki activities, and shared kai. It’s a beautiful expression of whanaungatanga in action.

Night Market

On Saturday 21 June, enjoy a night market outside Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō (3–7pm) with local kai, handmade goods, live music, and warm community vibes. Earlier in the day, the Levin Aquatic Centre hosts a special Matariki Pool Party for the whole whānau — entry just $2.

Kapahaka Hapori Kai Night

Head to Waiopehu College Auditorium on Friday 27 June, where community kapa haka groups share waiata and kapa haka in a festive evening that includes free kai.

Lights Over Te Awahou 

Wrap up the month on Saturday 28 June with a vibrant celebration in Foxton, where the Te Awahou Riverside Cultural Park will glow with lights, food trucks, and entertainment for the whole whānau.

For full details and the full line-up, visit horowhenua.govt.nz/Matariki

Stargazing Spots in Horowhenua

Once the festivities wind down, it’s the perfect time to lift your eyes to the night sky. With wide open spaces and little light pollution, Horowhenua offers some wonderful stargazing opportunities.

Lake Papaitonga Scenic Reserve

Just 10 minutes South of Levin, this serene lake surrounded by native bush is a beautiful, tranquil place to view the stars in the early morning hours or after dark. Pack a blanket and thermos for a peaceful stargazing picnic.

Coastal Dunes

With uninterrupted horizons and minimal light pollution, our western beaches offer breathtaking views of the night sky. Whether you’re staying at a bach or just visiting, the coastal dunes provide a quiet space to reflect under the stars.

Shannon and Tokomaru back roads

Head inland on a clear night and find yourself immersed in the darkness of rural skies. The view is simply breathtaking — especially just after the new moon on 25 June, when the stars are brightest on a clear evening.

Photo credit: Kris Adams

Make a Weekend of It

Matariki in Horowhenua isn’t just about the stars — it’s about the connections we build on the ground. Extend your stay and discover more of what our district has to offer:

And for the latest happenings, check out What’s On in Horowhenua.

Celebrate the Māori New Year with Us

From the crackling of hāngī to the hush of a dawn ceremony, from laughter in the pools to silence beneath the stars — Matariki in Horowhenua is an experience to hold close.

Reconnect. Reflect. Celebrate. Under the stars, in our place.