One of the best experiences you can have while visiting New Zealand is to learn and understand more about the Māori culture. The original inhabitants of the islands are still a prominent force in New Zealand culture and a must for you to see. Once on the islands, you will have a plethora of choices of where you can learn to do the Haka or indulge your taste buds in traditional Māori foods. Each place is special for travellers to visit and the open-arm culture of these original Polynesian explorers is truly special.
1. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are one of the most significant historical sites in New Zealand. Located along the Bay of Islands in Northland on the North Island, it is here that numerous Māori chiefs gathered in 1840 with representatives of the British Crown. During the gathering, an agreement was signed allowing British Sovereignty over New Zealand. Today, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds are packed with interesting historical exhibits in the Te Kongahu Musuem, stunning Māori architecture of the carved meeting house or Mataatua Wharenui, and incredible cultural experiences like the traditional Haka. Other items of interest here are during the evening where you can indulge in ceremonies like the powhiri or welcome, a wero or challenge, and traditional Māori dinner or hangi where foods are cooked in an earth oven.
2. Te Puia is offers up another top Māori cultural experience. Located in Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty on the North Island, Te Puia is home to a replicated authentic Māori village and the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where you can see the impressive Pohutu Geyser. While there you will experience a live Haka, Māori story tellers explaining their life through song and dance, and even see an endangered Kiwi. Te Puia is also home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute where you can learn more about traditional Māori arts from wood and greenstone carving to flax weaving.
3. The Te Pa Tu is one of the must see Māori cultural experiences in New Zealand. Located near Rotorua, the village is composed of a pre-European Māori village complete with a natural forest. Once inside the village, you will experience cultural ceremonies like the haka, powhiri, wero, and of course an authentic hangi dinner celebration. Another plus at this Māori cultural experience is you can spend the night.
4. The Whakarewarewa Living Thermal Village is an excellent choice to have a cool Māori cultural experience. Also located in the Te Puia area, the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao people have opened their grounds to visitors for more than 200 years. While here you can experience traditional cultural performances, eat an incredible hangi in the evening, get a taa moko or Māori tattoo, and learn how the tribe uses the geothermal waters of the reserve to bathe, cook food, and heat their buildings. There are authentic Māori weavers onsite and you can choose to spend the night for an entertaining evening of song, dance, and Māori culture.
5. Māori culture is rooted in the natural environment and there is no better place to experience Māori culture than at Footprints Waipoua. Located in Omapere near Cape Reinga within Northland of the North Island is the fabulous Waipoua Kauri Forest. Here you can see one of the largest groves of ancient Kauri trees which some like the Tae Mahuta are 2,000 years old. While you are there you can revel in watching Māori story-telling told by the Ngapuhi people that combine nature, mythology, and history in this fascinating natural environment. The ancient trees are worth seeing themselves and throwing in a live performance here and there is icing on the cake.
6. The Ko Tane-Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is the place on the South Island to experience Māori village culture. Located near Christchurch you begin your Māori experience with a powhiri. Then you will continue to learn about authentic hunting weapons, cooking, and mythology of the local Māori. There are haka performances and you can try a tasty hangi dinner that is cooked in an earth oven.
7. Located northeast of Akaroa, the Okains Bay Museum boasts an impressive collection of European pioneer artifacts. However, it's the nationally renowned Māori collection, showcasing a replica wharenui (meeting house), waka (canoes), stone tools, and personal adornments, that makes it a must-visit destination.
Now you have a list of top Māori cultural experiences to explore to help you decide where you want to go to learn more about New Zealand's first inhabitants. Many of the areas are sacred, so be sure to keep that in mind while you explore more about these fascinating tribes of New Zealand.
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