The first traditional Māori stargazing business to showcase the stars from a Māori perspective, Our purpose built track “Ara ki te ngā whetū” (Pathway to the stars) and hilltop lookout “Tuhinga ki mua” (Ridge of the heavens) will give you an unparallel cultural and starry experience.
Join us on a journey of discovery through the lands of Motairehe Marae. Learn how important the night sky is in Māori culture and the rise of the Pleiades star cluster (known locally as Matariki) which signals the beginning of the Māori New Year. Follow the footprints of our ancestors back into the past and share in our traditions of welcome and celebration.
Kia ora and welcome to Stars of Aotea – Ngā Whetū o Aotea
BOOK NOWUPCOMING EVENT
Enjoy the Traditional Māori cultural experience
There is only one place on Great Barrier Island where you have the opportunity of being welcomed onto a traditional Marae, receive an unforgettable pōwhiri (official Maori welcome) share a hāngi meal with fellow travellers and whanau (family) followed by a celestial stargazing experience – Haere mai, welcome to Motairehe Marae!
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Marvel at the beauty of Te Whanau Marama (the solar system). The night sky is a pivotal part of Māori culture. Many legends revolve around Ranginui (the sky father), the children and subsequent grandchildren he produced with Papatuanuku (the earth mother).
ABOUT OUR WHANAU?
Stars of Aotea is an initiative of the Motairehe Marae, the land of Ngati wai ki Aotea. Our lands are sacred and we believe that Earth Mother Papatuanuku provides for our people.
The dark sky sanctuary status gave us the opportunity to create Stars of Aotea, an experience for us to open our doors to the public, show manaaki (kindness). We have a strong spiritual connection and want to share our stories – Matariki, the stars, where we came from, where we’ve been and where we are going in the future – a true Māori cultural experience.
TAKE IN THE BEAUTY SURROUNDING THE MOTAIRAHE MARAE
Aotea Great Barrier Island is a treasure of the Pacific. A beautiful land with stunning scenery, welcoming people, and an unparalleled view of the night sky.
“The Motairehe Marae is one of two Marae on the Great Barrier Island. They offer a beautiful stargazing experience with a hāngi. The people are friendly and this is a true Māori experience”