Our Matariki Events for 2025

Dawn Event - Friday 20th of June

At Hamilton Astronomical Society, Hamilton Observatory, 183 Brymer Road, Hamilton.

5:30 am - Sunrise (7:30 am)
Koha / Donations greatly appreciated upon entry

Join us at the Hamilton Astronomical Society to view Matariki on the morning of the 20th of June. Matariki is only visible in the early morning, so the event starts at 5:30 am, and runs until sunrise at about 7:30 am. Please wrap up warm as it's likely to be quite cold. The morning Matariki viewing event is weather dependent. If there is complete cloud cover or fog which is unlikely to change, we will cancel the event. If there is broken cloud, we will do our best to view what we can. We hope the weather will be clear, allowing everyone to view Matariki. Matariki rises at about 5:30 am, and by 7:30 am the Sun will be rising, so Matariki will no longer be visible. If the weather is poor on Friday, we'll default to a backup morning event on Saturday the 21st, and we'll communicate this over social media.

Please note if the weather is fine, it's likely to be very busy. We are a volunteer organisation, and we have limited resources, but we’ll do our best to ensure everyone is able to view Matariki through a telescope or binoculars. As the light from cell phones and torches will reduce the night vision of those viewing, we ask that you try to minimise their use around the viewing area. We recommend you keep an eye on our website for updates on the event. Koha / donations are greatly appreciated upon entry. To allow space for telescopes, the zoo side of the carpark will be closed, so please use the carpark opposite the zoo on the other side of the road.

Evening Lecture: FRIDAY 20th of June

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Koha / Donations greatly appreciated upon entry

Join us for a lecture on the history and astronomy of Matariki at 7:30 pm on Friday the 20th of June. The lecture will be delivered by Richard Croy (committee member of the Hamilton Astronomical Society).

The event will be ticketed, and numbers are limited - please register by getting your free ticket online at

Link to tickets: Link will be available soon.