Mindful rituals inspired by Matariki traditions
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Starry sky. Photo: Toby Hall.
As winter settles over Aotearoa, a quiet constellation begins to shimmer in the pre-dawn sky. It’s Matariki (the Māori New Year) and with it comes a rare invitation: to slow down, remember, and realign with what matters most.
Matariki traditions are not just cultural celebrations; they are deeply spiritual practices that blend remembrance, gratitude, and hope. In this article, you’ll discover how travellers and locals alike can connect with this sacred time through mindful rituals.
Whether you're journeying through the South Island or sitting quietly at home, these Matariki-inspired practices offer a beautiful path to inner clarity and cultural connection.
What is Matariki?
Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster also known as the Pleiades. Its heliacal rise (when it appears in the dawn sky) signals the beginning of the Māori New Year, usually in late June or early July.
More than a celestial event, Matariki is a time of renewal, remembrance, and celebration. Traditionally, it marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of a new cycle of life. Today, Matariki traditions are being revived across New Zealand through community events, storytelling, feasts, and ceremony.
Mindful rituals inspired by Matariki traditions
Set intentions under the morning stars
Wake before dawn to watch Matariki rise in the eastern sky. As the stars twinkle into view, take a quiet moment to reflect on the past year and set your intentions for the year ahead. Speak them aloud, write them in a journal, or simply breathe them into the morning light.
Light a candle in remembrance
Māori honour those who’ve passed during Matariki; especially under the star Pōhutukawa, the guardian of memories. Light a candle for someone you miss. Say their name, recall a memory, or place a small item beside the flame as a quiet act of remembrance.
Prepare a gratitude meal
Food is a central part of Matariki celebrations. Create a seasonal meal using local produce, and share it with intention. You might dedicate different dishes to the stars of Matariki: Tupuānuku (earth), Waitā (sea), and Tupuārangi (sky). Eat slowly. Give thanks.
Write to your future self
Inspired by Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, the wishing star, write a letter to your future self. Include your hopes, dreams, and the kind of person you want to become. Tuck it away to read next Matariki (it will be a gift from your past self).
Offer a breath to the wind
In honour of Ururangi, the star of winds and change, go outside and take a deep breath. As you exhale, imagine releasing any burdens or fears. Let the wind carry them. You might speak your hopes aloud and trust the wind to guide them forward. Or, even better, do a 15 or 20-minute breathwork practice to feel renewed!
Visit a body of water for renewal
Whether it’s a lake, stream, or the open ocean, sit beside natural water and let it become your mirror. Connected to stars Waitī and Waitā, water represents emotion and renewal. Reflect on what you’re ready to cleanse or begin again.
Share or listen to stories
Matariki is traditionally a time of storytelling. Share family tales, read Māori legends, or listen to local voices. If you’re travelling, visit a cultural centre or take a guided tour with a Māori host. Let stories shape your understanding.
Plant something with intention
Honour Tupuānuku, the star linked to food from the soil, by planting a seed, flower, or tree. As you plant, speak an intention into the earth something you hope to grow or cultivate this year. Water it.
Sing, chant, or play music
Matariki is often celebrated with kapa haka and waiata (song). You don’t need to be a performer… Just hum a tune, play an instrument, or listen to Māori music that moves you. Let sound become a form of spiritual expression.
Disconnect to reconnect
In the spirit of reflection, take time away from devices and distractions. Go for a mindful walk, stargaze, or journal. Give yourself space to reconnect with yourself, your surroundings, and the sacred rhythm of this season.
What Matariki traditions will you embrace?
These mindful rituals inspired by Matariki traditions are a gentle, powerful way to welcome the Māori New Year with depth and awareness. Whether you're a local reconnecting with ancestral rhythms or a traveller honouring the land you walk on, these practices invite you to slow down and realign.
We wish you a soulful and illuminating Matariki! A new beginning grounded in memory, gratitude, and hope.
👉 Ready to explore deeper? Discover surprising insights into Māori spiritual beliefs in our next article: Curious facts about Māori spirituality.
About the author: Thaíz Lara is the creator behind New Hermits, a New Zealand-based storyteller who believes in the power of story and soul-filled travel. After living in 5 countries and exploring 60, she has come to understand that the most meaningful journeys often begin within. Learn more about Lara.
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Matariki traditions offer a soulful opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect. Discover 10 meaningful rituals for travellers and locals to honour the Māori New Year.