Since European colonisation, Maori have played an integral role in New Zealand tourism – in the nineteenth century they were hospitable and entertaining hosts in popular tourism destinations like Rotorua. Today tourism is embraced as a way to preserve and enhance the Maori culture and there are a myriad of ways for you to experience the culture for yourself.

Marae Visits

The Marae, or meeting place, is a central part of Maori culture. Incorporating traditional arts such as carving and woven panels, the buildings at a marae reflect the story of its people. They are found throughout the country and a visit, or even an overnight stay, on a marae will help you gain a deeper understanding of Maori culture. You shouldn’t, however, just turn up unannounced: visits must be arranged through a tour operator.

Hongi – touching of noses in greeting
Whaikorero – a formal speech
Koha – gifts presented by the visitors

Powhiri

A powhiri or formal welcome traditionally marks the start of a marae visit. The powhiri begins with a wero – a warrior confronts the visitors, twirling a club and flicking his tongue. He lays down a token, such as a small branch. Picking up the token demonstrates that the visitors come in peace. The powhiri also includes the karanga, a haunting call of welcome performed by the women of the marae.

Tangata whenua – ‘people of the land’, the hosts
Manuhiri – visitors or guests
Taiaha – a spear made of wood

Cultural Concerts

Throughout New Zealand there are many places where you can experience a cultural performance. Based on traditional arts, but incorporating various contemporary elements, Kapa Haka is a popular performance art combining theatre and song in a spellbinding display – every two years groups from around New Zealand compete in a national competition.

Waiata – a song or chant
Haka – dances with rhythmic movements and shouted words
Moko – traditional Maori tattooing on the face or body

Hangi

Don’t miss the opportunity to sample food cooked in the traditional Maori way. To prepare a hangi, a hole is dug in the ground and the food (anything from potatoes to pork) is placed in woven baskets and buried along with hot rocks so that the food is cooked slowly in its own steam. A hangi is usually a great social occasion!

Kai Moana – seafood
Puha – small leafy plants that are boiled and eaten as a vegetable

Guided Walks

Maori have traditionally had a very close relationship to the natural environment and participating in a guided walk is a wonderful way to gain a deeper appreciation of the land’s significance. You will, for instance, learn the Maori history of the landscape, and the medicinal, culinary or spiritual properties of native flora and fauna.

Tapu – sacred or prohibited
Tipuna – ancestors
Taniwha – mythical water creature