# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Matariki Dawn Cruise 2026
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 11 Jul, 2026 at 05:00 am
- **Event Description**: Head out into the sheltered Bay of Islands to experience Matariki rising at dawn! This is one of the most special experiences in our programme and sells out every year, so please book early if you want to secure a seat on our Explore waka!

The Matariki Dawn Cruise boat trip to search for the cluster of Matariki and the star of Puanga on the sea is an unmissable experience unique to this area. It will connect you to Matariki-Puanga on the moana (sea).

After time out on the water, the boat will head to the stunning Urupukapuka Island where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast at Otehei Bay.

The boat will return to Russell and Paihia at approximately 9am or you can opt to remain on the island for a conservation walk or explore at your leisure. The next departure to the mainland will be at 1.45pm.

ABOUT THE MATARIKI DAWN CRUISE

Our on-board guides and tohunga will tell you about the traditions behind this significant event in Aotearoa, what it means to Te Ao Māori and how to identify Puanga and the Matariki cluster rising in the Eastern sky.

Matariki is a cluster of stars which is visible in the Eastern sky from mid-Winter. Iwi in parts of our Far North rohe (region) also celebrate Puanga, which is the star Rigel in the Orion constellation, as it was difficult to see Matariki from their locality. Traditionally the reappearance of Puanga followed by Matariki heralded the Māori New Year, Te Tau Hou Māori.

Karakia – ‘incantations’ – are said to honour the rising of Matariki and to celebrate the New Year. The various stars in the Matariki cluster are associated with different environmental domains: earth, sky, fresh water, salt water, rain and wind. There is also a star that is connected to those who have passed during the year and another that is connected to our wishes.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/russell/matariki-dawn-cruise-2026/200030262479342
- **Event Categories**: trips-adventures, nonprofit
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 38

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Russell
- **state**: NO
- **country**: New Zealand
- **location**: Bay of Islands, New Zealand
- **lat**: -35.23142
- **long**: 173.9533
- **full address**: Bay of Islands, New Zealand, 57 Cobham Rd, Kerikeri 0230, New Zealand, Russell

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Matariki Dawn Cruise 2026
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/fd6cf9aa580cd3459d8563c74eaff643a361b0626ed63b73f0c7cb60660fb850-rimg-w1200-h628-dc020203-gmir?v=1783010244

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Matariki Dawn Cruise 2026 being held?
  - **A:** Matariki Dawn Cruise 2026 takes place on Sat, 11 Jul, 2026 at 05:00 am to Sat, 11 Jul, 2026 at 05:00 am at Bay of Islands, New Zealand, 57 Cobham Rd, Kerikeri 0230, New Zealand, Russell.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Matariki Dawn Cruise 2026?
  - **A:** Matariki Dawn Cruise 2026 is organized by Matariki Pēwhairangi Bay of Islands.

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