When Matariki rises in the winter sky, it marks a time to pause, remember, celebrate and look ahead.
Across Aotearoa New Zealand, the Māori New Year invites us to gather with whānau, honour those who have passed, give thanks for the natural world, and set intentions for the year to come.
In Rotorua, those themes feel close to the surface. Steam rises from the earth. Lakes hold stories. Forests, springs, kai, culture and manaakitanga shape the way visitors experience this place.
This Matariki, let each star guide your journey through Rotorua.
Matariki: Gather, reflect and reconnect
Matariki is the star connected with reflection, hope, wellbeing and the gathering of people. It is also the name of the cluster itself, making it a fitting place to begin.
In Rotorua, gathering is part of the experience. Attend a local Matariki event, share kai with friends and whānau, or book an evening that brings together storytelling, performance and seasonal food.
Te Pā Tū’s winter experience is especially connected to the spirit of Matariki, with firelight, ceremony, kai and kōrero woven into an immersive celebration. It is a chance to slow down, listen, and feel the warmth of coming together in the colder months.
Pōhutukawa: Remember those who have passed
Pōhutukawa is the star associated with remembrance. It encourages us to honour those who have gone before us and carry their stories forward.
Rotorua has many places where history, memory and landscape meet. At Te Wairoa The Buried Village, the stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption are preserved through taonga, archaeological remains and personal accounts. Nearby Lake Tarawera offers a quieter kind of reflection, with still water, mountain views and a sense of deep time.
This is a star that asks for gentleness. Take your time. Walk, listen, read the stories, and let the landscape remind you that remembrance is part of renewal.
Tupuānuku: Celebrate food from the earth
Tupuānuku is connected to food grown in the ground. It speaks to cultivation, nourishment and gratitude for the kai that sustains us.
Rotorua’s geothermal landscape gives this theme a distinctive local flavour. Experiences such as Te Puia and Mitai Māori Village offer opportunities to enjoy hāngī-style kai and learn more about how food, whenua and tikanga are connected.
For a more casual taste of the region, explore the Rotorua Night Market or local weekend markets, where seasonal produce, street food and community energy come together. It is an easy way to support local growers and makers while celebrating the abundance of the earth.
Tupuārangi: Look to the trees and sky
Tupuārangi is associated with food from above, including birds, fruits and berries from the trees. It invites us to notice the forest canopy, the life it shelters, and the seasonal gifts found above ground.
In Rotorua, start with the Redwoods and Whakarewarewa Forest. Walk beneath towering Californian redwoods, breathe in the cool forest air, and look up. The canopy is part of Rotorua’s identity, loved by walkers, runners, mountain bikers and families.
You can also connect with native birdlife at places such as Paradise Valley Springs, or seek out restaurants and cafés that celebrate local and seasonal ingredients. Tupuārangi is a reminder that kai is not just something we consume. It is part of a living system.
Waitī: Follow the freshwater
Waitī is the star of freshwater: lakes, rivers, streams and springs. Rotorua is rich with freshwater experiences, from quiet shorelines to clear springs and wide volcanic lakes.
Cruise Lake Rotoiti with Pure Cruise, or spend time beside one of the region’s many lakes. Hamurana Springs offers another beautiful connection to Waitī, with clear water, native bush and a peaceful walking track.
For those who enjoy fishing, Rotorua’s lakes are also known for trout. Whether you are out on the water or simply standing at the edge of it, Waitī asks you to notice how freshwater supports life, movement and wellbeing.
Waitā: Honour the ocean connection
Waitā is the star of the ocean and saltwater. Rotorua is inland, but the connection to Waitā can still be felt through kai, whakapapa and the wider Bay of Plenty region.
Follow this star through local kai moana, from fresh fish and chips at River’s Catch to fresh seafood and Māori-inspired dishes at Te Puia’s Pātaka Kai Restaurant and Te Pō hāngī buffet. It is a chance to taste the region’s coastal abundance alongside the geothermal, forest and lakeside flavours that make Rotorua’s food scene so distinctive.
Waipuna-ā-rangi: Welcome the rain
Waipuna-ā-rangi is connected with rain. In Rotorua, rain does not have to stop the adventure. In fact, it can make the landscape feel even more atmospheric.
Slip into the warm mineral waters at Polynesian Spa, experience the restorative rituals of Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, or book a private soak at Secret Spot Hot Tubs. Steam, mist and rain become part of the experience, turning a grey day into something memorable.
Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes are beautiful in winter weather. Steam rises more visibly in the cool air, forests feel fresh, and the city’s wellness experiences come into their own.
Ururangi: Move with the wind
Ururangi is the star of wind. It carries energy, movement and the shifting moods of the weather.
For this star, choose an experience that gets you moving. Ride the Skyline Gondola and Luge for sweeping views and a rush of speed. Fly through native forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours. Take on the world-famous mountain bike trails of Whakarewarewa Forest. Or see the region from above on a scenic flight with Volcanic Air.
Ururangi is about momentum. Feel the air on your face, try something that lifts your energy, and let Rotorua’s landscapes remind you what it feels like to be fully awake.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi: Set your wishes for the year ahead
Hiwa-i-te-rangi is the star connected with wishes, dreams and aspirations. It is where we look forward.
In Rotorua, this might mean watching sunrise over Lake Rotorua, taking an evening walk beneath the Redwoods Nightlights, or finding a quiet moment to write down what you want to carry into the year ahead.
You could stargaze, soak, walk, share a meal, or sit beside the lake with someone you love. The experience does not need to be elaborate. Matariki is as much about intention as activity.
