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, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research’s forecast for each region covers the pre-dawn period from 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, said Niwa meteorologist and forecaster Chris Brandolino.

“Stargazers can check Niwa’s cloud cover forecast for the best viewing conditions in their region, which is updated at 3.30pm each day for the following morning."

Matariki forecast for 3am-6am Friday and Saturday

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

Early Friday: Mostly cloudy with showers possible. Showers most likely over Northland and the Coromandel. Temperatures ranging from 11-13C in Whangārei and Auckland, to 7-9C for the interior Waikato (including Hamilton).

Early Saturday: Variable cloud cover, other times mostly cloudy. Threat of scattered showers, mainly for the Auckland and Waikato regions. Best chances for ideal viewing conditions likely over eastern Northland and the Coromandel. Temperatures ranging from 10-12C in Whangārei and Auckland, to 7-9C for the interior Waikato.

East Coast (including Gisborne, Napier, Wairarapa)

Early Friday: Cloud cover looks to gradually thin in the lead-up to sunrise. A few showers possible, especially in Tairāwhiti/Gisborne. Temperatures ranging from 6-9C.

Early Saturday: Partly cloudy, with favourable viewing conditions likely overall for most. Temperatures ranging from 8-11C.

Western North Island (including New Plymouth, Whanganui)

Early Friday: Cloud will likely have the upper hand. Threat of a few showers. Temperatures 9-11C.

Early Saturday: Cloud will likely have the upper hand. Threat of a few showers. Temperatures 6-8C.

Lower North Island (including Wellington)

Early Friday: Generally ideal viewing conditions with clear to partly cloudy skies. Temperatures 10-11C.

Early Saturday: Generally ideal viewing conditions with clear to partly cloudy skies. Temperatures between 7-9C.

Upper South Island (including Nelson, Blenheim)

Early Friday: Variable cloud cover, so viewing conditions are likely to range. Temperatures between 5-7C.

Early Saturday: Generally ideal viewing conditions with clear to partly cloudy skies. Temperatures 3-5C.

Eastern South Island (including Christchurch, Timaru)

Early Friday: Generally ideal viewing conditions with clear to partly cloudy skies. Temperatures 8-10C.

Early Saturday: Variable cloud cover, so viewing conditions are likely to range. Temperatures 6-8C.

West Coast (including Greymouth, Hokitika)

Early Friday: Variable cloud cover, so viewing conditions are likely to range. Showers are likely to be around. Breezy, with temperatures 8-9C.

Early Saturday: Ideal conditions likely from Hokitika southwards, with more cloud likely farther north. Temperatures 4-6C.

Lakes Region (including Queenstown, Wanaka)

Early Friday: Cloud is likely to have the upper hand for most locations. Showers are likely to be around. Breezy with temperatures 5-6C.

Early Saturday: Variable cloud cover, so viewing conditions are likely to range. Temperatures 4-5C.

Lower South Island (including Dunedin, Invercargill)

Early Friday: Cloud is likely to have the upper hand for Southland, with showers around. Eastern Otago and Dunedin more likely to have less cloud and favourable viewing conditions. Breezy, with temperatures 8-10C.

Early Saturday: Cloud is likely to have the upper hand with less-than-ideal viewing conditions. Threat of a shower or two. Temperatures 8-10C.