Written by Jane Dennis
Hey, all you travellers about to visit Queenstown, and wanting to experience a small but significant taste of Maori culture, make sure you check out the Kiwi Haka show.
Located at the top of the Skyline complex, Kiwi Haka is a chance to experience Maori Culture through song and dance.
On a sunny day in Queenstown, I was greeted by Norm Ruru, the founder of Kiwi Haka, at the Skyline base in Brecon Street. From there we took a ride in a gondola to the top of the Skyline Restaurant & Luge.
On the way up to the Skyline, Norm speaks proudly of his live show which is performed by his Kapa Haka group. Kiwi Haka has been operating for 12 years and relocated from the centre of town to the top of the skyline five years ago, a move which Norm says has been “beneficial” because of the setting, where you experience magic views with a great show. He points to the stunning scenery that surrounds our gondola.
The steep ride enables me to capture this amazing view of Queenstown. Once at the top, it definitely has the “wow factor”.
Though I have visited the Skyline complex several times, I’m still taken aback by its beautiful view. Lake Wakatipu is stunning with the Remarkable Mountains and Walter Peak as its backdrop – the scenery is jaw dropping!
Kiwi Haka incorporates six members all in traditional Maori costume who tell stories, sing and dance inside this intimate theatre made up as a marae. As I’m about to enter the marae strong mythical carved legends set the scene.
The show starts off with a ceremonial welcome (powhiri) to Queenstown. Instantly I’m captivated!
The powhiri is followed by the wero (challenge) by the strongest warrior and the karanga (welcoming call) from the women of the tribe after the challenge has been accepted. This leads to the mihi (introduction) where one warrior stands and greets us. His stance is intimidating and his facial expressions fascinating as he outlines his ancestry and his place in the world in his native tongue.
The Kapa Haka then join forces and give praise to their proud history which has been passed down through the generations in their traditional song and dance.
The highlight is the powerful performance of the war chant – the haka.
I can’t help but feel proud because the show is so well done. It may only go for 30 minutes, but everything flows and it’s enough to give a small but significant taste of what Maori culture is all about. Crowd participation is important throughout the show, and it’s great to watch some members of the audience tackle the poi – highly entertaining!
I turn to Norm and say “well done”. He replies: “Did you enjoy it then?”
“Of course”, I say, “it was awesome!”
See Kiwi Haka at the Queenstown Skyline Complex at the top of the gondola. In peak season (summer) there are up to five shows a night.
