News

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Inspire your clients to celebrate the spirit of Matariki

Matariki is a special time for New Zealanders, and visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand, and 2022 marks a new celebration in the New Zealand holiday calendar. Matariki, the Māori New Year, is a time of remembrance, a time to celebrate the present, and a time to look forward to the promise of a new year.

As you plan your client’s Aotearoa holiday, consider including some of these activities and experiences to embrace the spirit of Matariki.

 

REMEMBRANCE

Reserve your clients one of these soulful experiences to slow down, reflect, and remember those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki.

 

Polynesian Spa(opens in new window), Rotorua

Bathe, soak, relax, and meditate in the healing waters at Polynesian Spa. While there, your clients can indulge in a range of expertly curated health and wellness treatments that combine ancient healing practices with modern techniques.

 

Eco Wanaka Adventures(opens in new window), Wānaka

Let nature (and an expert host) guide your clients through the remarkable landscapes of Wānaka. Stunning single and multi-day walks abound in the region which is known for its clear blue lake, stunning vistas, and laid-back pace of life.

 

CELEBRATING THE PRESENT

Celebrating with whānau (family) and friends is an important custom of Matariki and what better way to experience the unique flavours of Aotearoa than on an activity centred around new tastes and kai (food).

 

Waitangi Treaty Grounds Hāngi and Concert(opens in new window), Northland

The treaty grounds in Waitangi, Northland is the site where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Book your clients on an unforgettable evening of authentic Māori culture with the Hāngi and Concert, where they will feast on delicious kai (food) cooked in an earth oven.  

 

Te Pā Tū(opens in new window) (formerly known as Tamaki Māori Village)(opens in new window), Rotorua

Rotorua, in New Zealand’s central North Island, is not only a geothermal wonderland but it is a special place where your guests can experience facinating Māori culture. Book your clients on an evening cultural tour to experience authentic Māori hospitality, learn about pre-European Māori life, and enjoy a sumptuous hāngi meal.

 

Greystone Wines(opens in new window), Canterbury

An hours drive north of Ōtautahi, Christchurch is the charming region of Waipara. This small wine region has a cluster of boutique wineries that thrive off the limestone-rich soil. Greystone Wines is New Zealand’s first fully regenerative winery and proudly boasts of producing organic grapes in their carbon-neutral vineyard. Clients can sample up to six wines at Greystone’s Cellar Door or book them a seat at The Long Lunch, which includes a delicious four-course lunch (seasonal menu changes regularly) complete with wine pairing.

 

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE  

The star clusters of Aotearoa hold a special place for Māori. As the great navigator, Kupe used the stars and ocean currents to guide his way to Aotearoa, so too Māori use the stars of Matariki for guidance. Tell your clients to cast their eyes skywards for a glimpse of the star clusters with these incredible star gazing experiences.

 

Horizon Tours,(opens in new window) Otepoti Dunedin

Horizon Tour’s Southern Skies Stargazing experience is an intimate tour hosted by a local Māori family. Their tour guides will take your clients on an unforgettable evening of Māori mythology, stories, and waiata (songs) about how Māori viewed the night sky.

 

Dark Sky Project(opens in new window), Tekapo

Tekapo, in the Mackenzie region, is home to Aotearoa’s largest accredited International Dark Sky Reserve. The Summit Experience will give your clients 360 degree views of the impressive night sky from the summit of Mt John some 1,029 m (3,375 ft) above sea level. Expert astronomy guides impart their knowledge of the southern night sky and invite guests to view constellations through powerful optical telescopes. 

 

Big Sky Stargazing(opens in new window), Aoraki Mount Cook

Near the impressive peak of Aoraki Mount Cook, Big Sky Stargazing offers small group tours hosted by trained astronomy guides. Your clients will learn about the constellations in the southern night sky while viewing them through high-powered telescopes. As this activity is weather dependent, consider booking your clients at least two nights at the Hermitage Hotel for their best chance to see the stars.

 

Learn more about Matariki