New Zealanders hoping to see the Matariki stars over the long weekend will have mixed conditions, with the best viewing likely on Friday and Saturday in many areas, according to NIWA’s 2025 Matariki cloud cover forecast.

With the Matariki star cluster visible on New Zealand's eastern horizon just before the rising of the sun, NIWA's forecast for each region covers the pre-dawn period 3am to 6am.

Eastern regions such as Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, and the lower North Island, along with parts of the upper and eastern South Island, can expect clearer skies for Matariki celebrations, says NIWA meteorologist and forecaster Chris Brandolino.

"Stargazers can check NIWA’s cloud cover forecast for the best viewing conditions in their region Matariki Viewing Conditions on Vimeo, which is updated at 3:30pm each day for the following morning."

2025 Matariki Forecast for the hours between 3:00 am to 6:00 am

Upper North Island (including Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Coromandel Peninsula)

East Coast (including Gisborne, Napier, Wairarapa)

Western North Island (including New Plymouth, Whanganui)

Lower North Island (including Wellington)

Upper South Island (including Nelson, Blenheim)

Eastern South Island (including Christchurch, Timaru)

West Coast (including Greymouth, Hokitika)

Lakes Region (including Queenstown, Wanaka)

Lower South Island (including Dunedin, Invercargill)

• Early Saturday morning: Cloud is likely to have the upper-hand with less than ideal viewing conditions. Threat for a shower or two. Temperature between 8-10°C

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