Matariki Recharge

Thursday 27 - Saturday 29 June 2024

In 2024 Wharekauhau is proud to host the second of its annual Matariki event weekends. This two night package will feature a highlight 7-course Matariki- inspired feast on the Friday.

Matariki, the Māori New Year, means ‘tiny eyes’ or ‘eyes of god’ and is celebrated in June when a small group of stars called Pleiades rises above the horizon, bringing the old year to a close and starting a new year.

According to myth, when Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother, were separated by their children, the god of the winds, Tāwhirimātea, became so angry that he tore out his eyes and threw them into the heavens.

Traditionally, Matariki was a time to finish storing food for the winter, weave new clothing and baskets, listen to the stories of our ancestors, and learn about the natural world. It is about togetherness, goal setting, reflecting and sharing. What better place to celebrate than Wharekauhau.