From
US $21
per person
Choose Date
Check Availability

Celebrate Matariki at Stonehenge Aotearoa in Wellington - Book Your Event

Join a captivating presentation in Wellington that traces the 4,500-year migration into the Pacific and how Polynesians carried the traditions of the Seven Sisters (Matariki) across the ocean; you’ll explore ancient legends and meanings of Matariki and learn how, at the dawn of early June, Matariki-the food bringer-and her seven daughters rise the shoulder of Rangi to herald the Māori New Year. You’ll discover how those stars are the posts that hold up Rangi and form the basis of Māori astronomy, and how the Waka of Tama-rereti is berthed in the eyebrow of the sky in the south, revealing the Polynesian navigation roots tied to this cluster; this presentation also examines the physical nature of the star cluster itself. Ideal for fans of Art & Culture, Workshops & Learning, Tours & Sightseeing, Outdoor & Nature and seasonal Events, this experience in the Wellington Region is designed to connect you with the stories and science of Matariki-bookings are essential to secure your place.

About this activity in Wellington

Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Discover the ancient Matariki legends and Polynesian navigation stories that shaped Pacific migrations, told through an engaging presentation near Carterton in the Wellington Region.
  • Learn how the Seven Sisters (Matariki) and the Waka of Tama-rereti connect Māori astronomy with traditional star-based navigation used across the Pacific.
  • Explore both the cultural meanings and the physical nature of the Matariki star cluster in a talk designed for families, culture lovers and curious travellers.
  • Enjoy an accessible, family-friendly event that suits all fitness levels and provides a warm introduction to seasonal Māori New Year traditions in the region.

Important Information

  • Bookings are essential - secure your spot in advance to attend this Matariki presentation near Carterton.
  • An English-speaking guide will lead the session and you'll have access to the on-site shop for local resources and souvenirs.
  • Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; service animals are permitted. Most areas are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible after fine weather.
  • Dress for the weather with warm clothing and sensible footwear; the event is suitable for all physical fitness levels and family groups.

Meeting Point

Arrive at 51 Ahiaruhe Road, Ahiaruhe, Carterton 5792. The gate should be unlocked and open - drive straight to the carpark and we will meet you there. If you have any problems on arrival, call the contact number provided with your booking.

Includes

  • You’ll be guided in English throughout the experience by an English-speaking guide familiar with the Carterton area in the Wellington Region.
  • You’ll have access to the on-site shop for purchases during your visit at 51 Ahiaruhe Road in Carterton.

Excludes

  • You won’t be permitted extended time on site after the scheduled event concludes.

Other

  • Infants must sit on an adult’s lap for the duration of the event.
  • Service animals are allowed on site to assist guests.
  • This experience is suitable for people of all physical fitness levels.
  • After fine weather most areas are assessable by wheelchair or strollers; accessibility can vary across the site in this destination.
  • Dress for the weather in Carterton: bring warm clothing and sensible footwear.
  • When you arrive at 51 Ahiaruhe Road, Ahiaruhe, Carterton 5792, the gate should be unlocked and open; drive straight ahead to the carpark and we will meet you there. If you have any problems on arrival, ring us.

Discover Wellington: Book Tours, Food, Nature and Events for You

Discover vibrant Wellington and the wider Wellington Region through immersive tours, art and culture experiences, and food and drink tastings that make it easy for you to plan Events and activities that match your interests. Whether you’re booking outdoor nature adventures, Water-Based excursions, family-friendly shows and workshops, or nightlife and entertainment, the area puts a wide variety of tours, workshops, and Events within easy reach. Use this destination as your base for sightseeing, Group-Friendly activities, and romantic or wellness-focused escapes so you can book stays that connect directly with the things to do here.

Know more about Wellington

You’ll explore the ancient legends and meanings of Matariki and the Seven Sisters, learn how these stars guided Polynesian navigation, and examine the physical nature of the star cluster during a guided presentation that connects Māori New Year traditions with Pacific migration stories.
Yes - the content covers storytelling, navigation and star lore that appeals to family and kids audiences, and the event is presented so people with a range of interests in tours, sightseeing and cultural activities can enjoy it together.
This event suits Art & Culture, Workshops & Learning, Tours & Sightseeing, Outdoor & Nature and seasonal Māori New Year programming, making it a good choice for cultural tours, educational workshops and family-friendly activities listed through Varoom in the region.
The presentation focuses on the dawn of early June when Matariki and her seven daughters rise to herald the Māori New Year, making that period the central seasonal moment highlighted in the talk.
You’ll learn how the posts that hold up Rangi represent stars used in Māori astronomy and how the Waka of Tama-rereti-berthed in the eyebrow of the sky in the south-forms the basis of Polynesian navigation, linking cultural practice with practical star knowledge.
Yes-bookings are essential for this presentation to secure your place in the guided session that explores Matariki, Polynesian navigation and Māori star traditions in the Wellington Region.