Matariki is the Māori name for the small cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, in the Taurus constellation.It comes into view in late May or early June and is celebrated as the Maori New Year. From June 24th to July 24th there are a range of festivals in different cities throughout New Zealand themed around the celebration of Matariki.
For many years this Maori New Year went by with little recognition, but has been revived and marked annually throughout the country with festivals including song, dance, arts and crafts, food and many other activities. It is seen as a time to bring people together to have fun and celebrate the Winter Solstice with traditional Maori activities.
During Matariki, Te Papa New Zealand's National Museum in Wellington, is creating an interactive display of images that capture the mood of this special time of year.
Events schedule - 25th - 28th June 29th June - 5th July 6th - 12th July
Auckland has an itinerary with a range of events and activities.You can see"What's On" here - Auckland Matariki Festival
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Gisborne - A Lovely Small Town
We are back from our week travelling to Gisborne and were most impressed with this rather remote, but very attractive small North Island town. The palm tree lined main street gave it an exotic air. With Waikanae - a surf beach almost in the centre of the city, they have a rather unusual harbour, with gorgeous views across to white cliffs.
The wineries were closed for the winter which was disappointing. However, no doubt the vintners are enjoying a much deserved holiday after the grape harvest, which has just finished.We did visit one winery Millton..... and were most impressed with the wines and beautiful gardens.
Our conference included visits to a boutique Brewery, and the Cidery which was very nice. Close to town, it was a modern, well displayed room for tasting, and the ciders were excellent.
A drive out to Eastwoodhill Aboretum was lovely, with the autumn colours on the trees. Being rather late in the day and very cold we did not stay too long.
Drive up Kaiti Hill for expansive views.
Tairawhiti Museum looked interesting and the small original cottage next door........ Wyllie Cottage was a fascinating look at the early settlers in the area, and their lifestyles.
There were several good restaurants including
Gisborne is definitely worth a visit.....and the trip around East Cape and back through the Waioeka Gorge was also very pretty.It made a pleasant round trip.
The wineries were closed for the winter which was disappointing. However, no doubt the vintners are enjoying a much deserved holiday after the grape harvest, which has just finished.We did visit one winery Millton..... and were most impressed with the wines and beautiful gardens.
Our conference included visits to a boutique Brewery, and the Cidery which was very nice. Close to town, it was a modern, well displayed room for tasting, and the ciders were excellent.
A drive out to Eastwoodhill Aboretum was lovely, with the autumn colours on the trees. Being rather late in the day and very cold we did not stay too long.
Drive up Kaiti Hill for expansive views.
Tairawhiti Museum looked interesting and the small original cottage next door........ Wyllie Cottage was a fascinating look at the early settlers in the area, and their lifestyles.
There were several good restaurants including
- The Wharf
- The Works
- Bushmere Estate - where we had the conference dinner
Gisborne is definitely worth a visit.....and the trip around East Cape and back through the Waioeka Gorge was also very pretty.It made a pleasant round trip.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
