Here’s how your weather’s shaping up for Matariki

Thursday, 9 July 2026

Fine weather should make for good Matariki stargazing, but overnight frost will bring sub-zero temperatures.

Waikato residents hoping for a glimpse of the Matariki stars this long weekend can expect some morning cloud cover on Friday and to wear warm clothing.

The Matariki star cluster will be visible on New Zealand's eastern horizon just before sun rise.

MetService meteorologist Alanna Burrows said there will be morning cloud on Friday but it’s going to be a sunny long weekend.

“It’s going to be just like a nice fine afternoon with temperatures going to lower overnight into Saturday.

“Through the weekend, really, it’s looking quite frosty overnight because we’re seeing this build of clearer skies coming through.”

Frosts are likely and Burrows advised those wanting to view the Matariki cluster to wear multiple layers and grab a hot water bottle.

Across the region temperatures will be in the teens but nights and early mornings will be chilly.

Whitianga will have a high of 15°C on Friday, followed by 14°C on Saturday and Sunday.

In Hamilton, it will be 13°C on Friday and Sunday, with 12°C on Saturday. Overnight lows in the city will be -1°C on Friday and Sunday, with 0°C on Saturday.

Taupō temperatures will be 10°C all weekend with overnight lows of -1°C on Friday and Sunday and -2°C on Saturday.

Earth Sciences NZ meteorologist, Chester Lampkin, said a high pressure system will ease into the country nationwide this weekend, “which will clear the sky and also drop the temperatures”.