WELLINGTON OR CHRISTCHURCH, DIRECT TO CHATHAM ISLANDS CHRISTCHURCH, DIRECT TO CHATHAM ISLANDS WELLINGTON OR

At the same time that it is winter in the southern hemisphere, it is summer in the northern hemisphere as the tilt of the Earth’s axis brings it closer to the sun. One winter day, often referred to as “midwinter” is the winter solstice. This is the day when the sun is furthest below the horizon when measured from the pole (in the case of the southern hemisphere from the South Pole).

Each year, that day is the shortest of the year. This year the southern hemisphere’s winter

It is interesting to note, however that different places and different cultures define the winter period differently. Matariki, interestingly, will take place very close to the New Zealand midwinter. On 14 July New Zealand will celebrate Matariki, the time when the stars of the Matariki constellation appear in the night sky, with a public holiday.

It will mark the beginning of the Mori New Year. It is a time to remember those lost since Matariki last rose, to celebrate the present and to look forward to the promise of a new year.