The following are a small sample of Maori cultural experiences around New Zealand. Search through the Activities & Tours category to find many more.

Waitangi National Trust

(Northland) – explore these historically significant grounds, the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed back in 1840 (www.waitangi.net.nz.)

Auckland Museum

(Auckland) – renowned for its extensive collection of Maori treasures, Auckland Museum is a must-see (www.aucklandmuseum.com.)

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

(Waitomo) – the Maori people have a long historic connection with these remarkable caves. Explore them with an underground walking tour or boat ride (www.waitomocaves.co.nz.)

Whakarewarewa Thermal Village

(Rotorua) – join a tour and experience traditional Maori culture in an authentic living village set amidst hot thermal springs (www.whakarewarewa.com).

Te Puia

(Rotorua) – the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute lets you see Maori artists at work and take a guided tour of local geothermal features (www.nzmaori.co.nz).

Tamaki Maori Village

(Rotorua) – experience an evening of Maori stories, kapa haka performance and a traditional hangi dinner (www.maoriculture.co.nz).

Hell’s Gate

(Rotorua) – the healing waters and mud of Hell’s Gate in Rotorua have been used by Maori for more than 700 years, now you can experience them (www.hellsgate.co.nz).

The Rotorua Museum of Art & History

(Rotorua) – experience the world of the local Te Arawa Maori people and the story of the massive Mt Tarawera eruption (www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz).

Paparoa Marae

(Bay of Plenty) – experience warm hospitality, taste a traditional Maori meal (hangi) and enjoy the entertainment. Contact +64 7 552 5796.

Mauao Tours

(Mt Maunganui) – enjoy a guided tour of Mt Maunganui and a Maori interpretation of historic sites on the mountain (www.mauaotours.co.nz).

Mt Hikurangi Guided 4WD Tribal Tours

(Eastland) – Mt Hikurangi is the first place in mainland New Zealand to see the dawn – take a 4WD tour of the mountain guided by local Maori (www.ngatiporou.iwi.nz).

Whale Rider Tours

(Eastland) – Hone Taumaunu, cultural consultant for Whale Rider, takes visitors on a guided tour of sites from the film (www.gisbornenz.com).

Matahiwi Marae

(Hawke’s Bay) – visits to one of the oldest established Ngati Hawea marae in the region introduce visitors to marae history and protocol.

Puke Ariki

(Taranaki) – New Plymouth’s superb museum, visitor information centre and library complex is a great place to learn about Maori culture and traditions (www.pukeariki.com).

Parihaka

(Taranaki) – this historically significant New Zealand village may be accessed by guided tour only (www.taranakinz.org).

Waka Tours

(Whanganui) – experience an unforgettable three-day guided canoe trip down the Whanganui River, including overnight stays on riverside marae (www.whanganuiriver.co.nz).

Te Papa

(Wellington) – the superb national museum of New Zealand is an excellent place to learn more about Maori culture and history and offers exciting interactive displays (www.tepapa.govt.nz).

Taonga MataOra

(Wellington) – Te Papa now offers guests an outstanding combination of fine dining with performances from Maori and Pacific Island communities (www.taongamataora.com).

Maori Tours Kaikoura

(Kaikoura) – guided tours taken by local Maori introduce visitors to the region’s rich cultural history (www.maoritours.co.nz).

Ko Tane – The Maori Experience

(Christchurch) – visitors can enjoy a Maori cultural experience, explore a replica village and dine in the traditional way (www.kotane.co.nz).

Katoro Waka Heritage Journeys

(Christchurch) – you will travel along Christchurch’s waterways in a traditional single-hulled waka called Te Kowhai (www.katoro.co.nz).

Tamaki Heritage Village

(Christchurch) – visit a traditional Maori village to learn about the culture, experience the performance and taste an authentic hangi meal. (www.maoriculture.co.nz).

Haka Pa Maori Village

(Queenstown) – be delighted and entertained as hosts share their culture with visitors through performance and a traditional meal (www.maoriculture.net.nz).

Kiwi Haka

(Queenstown) – a unique live show performed by the men and women of Queenstown’s leading Kapa Haka group (www.skyline.co.nz).