Matariki marks the beginning of the new year for many people with the reappearance of the Matariki constellation in the night sky. Otherwise known as the Pleiades, the Seven Sisters and Messier 45 among a whole host of other names, it arrives mid-winter. To celebrate its return as well as New Zealand’s first public holiday that recognises the Maori world, Stardome is lighting up our evenings with an immersive light and sound activation for all to experience.
Guests at Stardome will be treated to a free external activation where a beautiful light and sound display will illuminate the building. Nine pillars of light will be accompanied by waves of sound to create an immersive and incredibly brilliant show for young and young-at-heart.
It will be best viewed from the lawn in front of Stardome where the bespoke soundscape will properly immerse audiences in the story of Matariki. The free light show will run every 7-10 minutes every night from 19 June to 25 June from 6:30pm -9:30pm and until 10.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.
But, that’s not all that Stardome has in store for Aucklanders and the Matariki celebration.
While the external light show is on during the week, Stardome will be offering free 10-minute Matariki shows inside the planetarium. They will be presenter-led with kōrero and audience interaction, perfect for all ages. And best of all, bookings are not required so you can go from the light show outside to a planetarium show inside on the same evening.
These shows are separate from Stardome’s annual Ngā Whetū o Matariki planetarium show. However, it is running every night from Thursdays to Sundays up until 17 June so that you can hear all the stories that connect us to the stars. Tickets start at $15.
And then on Friday 24 June, Stardome will be open for all to come in and experience its many secrets and mysteries for free. More information on this is to come.