Whether you’re living in or visiting New Zealand, a cultural experience gives you such an insight into the country and it’s people and is a great way to connect on a deeper level. Experience the rich and fascinating Māori culture with these cultural experiences around New Zealand. Real people sharing real stories. These should be on your to-do list!
1. Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Waitangi Treaty Grounds is where the historic signing of the Treaty of Waitangi took place in 1840. Book a day pass for a full experience including a Māori cultural performance and guided tour, or check out their Hāngi and concert experience. This is arguably New Zealand’s most historic site and one to visit when in Northland.
2. Whakarewarewa
Whakarewarewa in Rotorua is New Zealand’s only living Māori village. It’s dubbed a living village due to the geothermal activity on the land. Geothermal vents, boiling hot pools and bubbling mud are energy resources used and respected by the residents of Te Whakarewarewa Valley. A visit to Whakarewarewa is a great way to experience Māori culture and Rotorua’s famous geothermal landscape all at once.
3. Te Pā Tū
Te Pā Tū is a place to experience very special ‘knowledge-sharing’ events. An event at Te Pā Tū includes a cultural welcome, canapes (forest kai horotai), a kapahaka performance and an incredible three-course feast. Enjoy a torch-lit walk through the Tawa forest and indulge in shared stories and pastimes. An amphitheatre formed from the forest and seasonal food crafted with both tradition and innovation are just some of the things that make an experience at Te Pā Tū so memorable. Return transport for Rotorua and Taupo areas is also available. Check their website for information on current and upcoming events and how to book tickets.
4. Footprints Waipoua
Learn about the legend of Kupe who was guided by the stars above the mighty Waipoua Forest. Footprints Waipoua tours take you along the paths of this forest of Ancient Giants – some of the largest remaining Kauri trees in the world. They offer daylight tours and twilight encounters. Their ‘Meet Tane’ tour teaches you about Tane Mahuta (The Lord of the Forest), a tree with great importance to the environment and Māori people.
5. Te Puia
Te Puia in Rotorua offers extraordinary experiences that touch on all aspects of Māori culture. This includes the geothermal activity and the Pōhutu geyser. Encounter incredible endangered native bird life such as the kiwi and wander through native bush. An impressive display of Māori architecture showcases the Rotowhio marae, a sacred place with a building and grounds that belong to a local tribe. Embrace the people as they welcome you as part of their family.
6. Waimarama Māori Tours
Experience Māori culture in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay. The Waimarama tribe invite you to take an intimate journey through their culture, their people and their past and present. Waimarama tours are private and personalised, allowing you to really connect with their stories and understand the importance of their culture.
7. Mataatua
Mataatua is located in Whakatāne in the Bay of Plenty region. Expect to be immersed in Māori culture as the tours take you through legendary stories of the carved Māori ancestral house, Mataatua Wharenui. Mataatua is an authentic, genuine and personal encounter with people who are passionate about showcasing their culture. “Arrive as strangers but leave as friends”.
8. Māori Highlights Tour – Te Papa Museum
Te Papa in Wellington is New Zealand’s national museum. Their Māori Highlights tour is a guided tour of in-depth stories and showcases of carvings and more. Passionate guides make all the difference with this experience, with their wealth of knowledge clear as they take you on a journey through the past and present of Māori culture.
Check out our list of Top Museums in New Zealand.
