Top spots for checking out Matariki
If you are looking for the best spot to view Matariki, the Wellington City Council has produced a list of good viewing spots.
*James Stellin Memorial Park In Northland on Tinakori Hill, James Stellin Memorial Park has stunning 180-degree views over the city to the harbour as well as neat night sky viewing opportunities.
*Tawatawa Reserve is a large flat grassed area that is dog exercise-friendly and is located on Quebec Street, in between the suburbs of Owhiro Bay, Kingston, and Island Bay.
*The Ataturk Memorial Park lookout can be accessed from the Tarakena Bay car park on Breaker Bay Road.
* Waihinahina Park, located on Ladbrooke Drive in Newlands, is an open grassed area surrounded with regenerating bush – an ideal spot for stargazing Matariki on a clear night!
* Homebush Park on Homebush Road in Khandallah, is a hidden playground down a gravel track has breathtaking views over Wellington harbour and the wide-open skies above.
Matariki is found low on the horizon in the northeast of the sky. Try looking there between 5.30am-6.30am.
To find the cluster, first find the row of three stars of Tautoru, or Orion’s Belt (or The Pot). To find Pūanga (Rigel) look above Tautoru until you see the bright star.
From there, scan left until you find the bright orange star, Taumata-kuku (Alderbaran) and keep going until you hit a cluster of stars. That cluster is Matariki.
The Matariki star cluster, photographed by Stephen McArthur.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
It’s Riddle Time! Beat the Neighbourhood with Your Smarts!
Which of the following words don't belong in the group and why?
CORSET, COSTER, SECTOR, ESCORT, COURTS
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Inverlochy end of year Exhibition
The Inverlochy Art School Exhibition sponsored by Gordon Harris is on now until 13 December with affordable art for your holiday prezzies. Exhibition hours 10am -2pm daily until Friday 13 December. Pop by to view the art and enjoy the historic Inverlochy house and gardens.
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