Light up the Night with these fun Matariki Activities for Kids!
As the cold winter nights settle over Aotearoa, a cluster of stars rises in the pre-dawn sky, heralding a time of reflection, renewal, and connection.
This is Matariki — the Māori New Year —a deeply significant celebration rooted in te ao Māori, marking the reappearance of the Matariki star cluster (also known as Pleiades).
Matariki is more than just a celestial event; it’s a time to remember those who have passed, to celebrate the present with whānau and friends, and to set intentions for the year ahead. It’s about pausing to appreciate life, community, and the natural world that sustains us.
Download the FREE printable here and meet the Matariki Stars! And why not try some of the activities to honour each star?
Here are some other fun activities you could try during Matariki:
Cook and share a special meal with family and friends to reflect and celebrate together.
Plant a tree or some fruit and vegetables — Matariki is a time for growth and new beginnings.
Write or talk about things you're grateful for and hopes for the new year.
Star Watching: Go outside early in the morning to spot Matariki in the sky.
Learn the Star Names: Learn the names and meanings of each of the nine stars in the Matariki cluster.
Make and fly a kites: Kites were flown during Matariki to connect the sky and the earth, especially on the first day of the New Year.
Fun Crafts to Try During Matariki
Celebrate the rising of Matariki with this beautiful mobile that you can decorate however you like! Have fun decorating Matariki and the eight stars in the cluster with pens, paints, and gems all while learning about the Matariki Cluster.
Have fun designing and then flying this fun kite! In your kit you'll receive a printable that has been designed by artist Huia Hamon (Ngāti Porou) that you can trace onto the kite paper and decorate however you wish!
This Matariki puzzle is a great way to learn all about the Matariki constellation of stars. Colour in each star then create your own puzzle with easy lift tabs for small fingers.
About Huia
Our Matariki Range features beautiful illustrations from Huia Hamon (Ngāti Porou), an an award-winning singer/producer and artist/illustrator/painter based in Titrangi, Aotearoa.
Inspired by living nature, the naghere (forest) and her lineages, Huia hopes her artwork encourages tamariki to keep discovering and learning about the world around us.
Listen to Matariki by Huia Hamon and Dan Waipoua as you craft! This song was part of the award-winning 'Matrariki Lights' installation at Stardome for the first Matariki in 2022.
You can listen here.
For more information, visit www.iamhuia.com