The winter rising of the Matariki star cluster marks the beginning of the Māori New Year, which is marked by a public holiday tomorrow.
Unfortunately, opportunities to view the cluster may be limited this year, with NIWA forecasting cloudy conditions across much of the country.
Forecaster Seth Carrier said the upper North Island is likely to get the best views this week.
"It's a mixed bag of weather but cloud is quite dominant across the country over the coming days," he said.
"However, most places will have a morning or two with just partial cloud, so there may be opportunities to see the star cluster if you're lucky."
How to find the Matariki star cluster
Astrophotographer and Stardome astronomer Josh Aoraki told AM people wanting to view the cluster should look for the three stars that form the bottom of The Pot constellation, also known as Orion's Belt.
"We know that as Tautoru," he said.
"If you look for the pot, if you make a line through the bottom of the pot going to the left, that's going to point you towards Matariki."
Aoraki said viewing conditions in Auckland should be favourable just before sunrise on Friday.
"[It] should be nice and clear tomorrow morning if anyone wants to actually get up and try and see them.
Sunrise in Auckland is at 7:35am.
According to Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, the name "Matariki" means "tiny eyes" or "eyes of god" in te reo, which refers to the stars in the cluster - either seven or nine, depending on the iwi.
The star cluster is known as the Pleiades in many countries. It is called Subaru in Japan, Mao in China and Krittika in India.
Aoraki explained that each star has its own significance: four stars represent food sources, two represent the weather and the environment, and the last three stars represent those that have passed away, wishes and dreams for the future, and the present.
Aoraki said that for him, Matariki is a time for rest and reflection.
"I always say that basically it's like Christmas, but it's not about presents. It's about being present."
NIWA's Matariki Friday forecast
Upper North Island (including Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Coromandel Peninsula): Mostly clear in the morning then increasing afternoon cloud. Morning minimum temperature of 5-9 degrees, with an afternoon maximum in the mid-teens.
East Coast (including Gisborne, Napier, Wairarapa): Partly cloudy. Morning minimum temperature of 6-8 degrees, with an afternoon maximum in the mid-teens.
Western North Island (including New Plymouth, Whanganui): Partly cloudy. Morning minimum temperature of 6-8 degrees, with an afternoon maximum in the mid-teens.
Lower North Island (including Wellington): Mostly clear to partly cloudy in the morning. Morning minimum temperature of 2-5 degrees, with an afternoon maximum in the low-teens.
Upper South Island (including Nelson, Blenheim): Partly cloudy in the morning, but cloud cover may be higher in Tasman. Morning minimum temperature of 2-4 degrees, with an afternoon maximum in the low-teens.
Eastern South Island (including Christchurch, Timaru): Partly cloudy in the morning, but cloud cover increasing in the afternoon. Morning minimum temperature of 5-7 degrees, with an afternoon maximum in the low-teens.
West Coast (including Greymouth, Hokitika): Cloudy with rain developing. Morning minimum temperature of 7-9 degrees, with an afternoon maximum of 11-13 degrees.
Lakes Region (including Queenstown, Wanaka): Cloudy with a chance for afternoon showers or rain. Morning minimum temperature of 3-5 degrees, with an afternoon maximum of 9-10 degrees.
Lower South Island (including Dunedin, Invercargill): Mostly cloudy with a chance for late-day showers. Morning minimum temperature of 4-6 degrees, with an afternoon maximum of 10-12 degrees.
