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Maori Culture

Visitors, known as manuhiri to Maori, are almost certain to meet at least one Maori during their travels within the Central Park region. Those who take the time to truly engage with New Zealand’s indigenous people will come to appreciate their deeply felt connection with the land and their generosity of spirit – known as manaakitanga.

As well as the traditionally well known Maori guiding services, there are a growing number of Maori owned businesses offering great New Zealand experiences imbued with a genuine sense of Maoritanga.

Maori oral history tells us Maori arrived in Aotearoa – New Zealand in great waka (voyaging canoes) from Hawaiki around 1000AD. Today, Maori make up more than 14% of the country’s population, with their language and culture an integral part of everyday New Zealand life.

Maori culture is evident everywhere and there are ample opportunities to see – and also participate in – many of the traditional arts like carving, weaving, kapa haka (group performance including poi, haka and song) and moko (tattoo).

One simple yet deeply moving expression of Maori culture is the hongi. This traditional Maori greeting involves the ceremonial pressing of noses and the exchanging of the breath of life to create peace and harmony.

Attempting to get your tongue around some Maori words is another experience that will often result in some good natured laughs especially went asking directions (the vast majority of place names are of Maori origin). However learning and using some simple words like kia ora, hangi, haere mai, whanau and te reo will be appreciate.

LINKS to related sites for culture, language, hongi etc

Featured: Rotorua – Central Park’s cultural centre

Rotorua is regarded as the cultural hub of Central Park and has cemented its place as an international tourism icon. Rotorua offers everything from relaxing spa treatments to freefalling from 15,000 feet, backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, so whether its relaxation, adrenalin, a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Rotorua has it covered.

The city is best known for its geothermal activity with geysers and bubbling mud pools apparent throughout the area. Perhaps the most distinct feature of Rotorua is the intense sulphur scent which is unmistakable upon arrival. This is created by numerous sulphur vents throughout the area.

While learning about and experiencing Maori Culture is one of the main attractions to the area there are many other activities which draw visitors to the city. Boasting 16 lakes throughout the area, Rotorua is a haven for anglers with its vast quantity of trout providing excellent year round fishing. Ideal for many other activities, the lakes see a large number of holiday makers utilizing the sparkling waters for kayaking, waterskiing and boating.

Water activities are not the only enticing feature of the region with many land based adventures available. Possibly the most popular of them is mountain biking with Rotorua offering some of the best mountain biking trails in the world. The Redwood Forest is home to some of New Zealand’s best trails and the tracks are referenced relative to the level of difficulty and signposted making it easily navigable.

The Skyline Sykride is a popular attraction with the Gondola rising to 487 metres above sea level on Mt Ngongotaha. The adventure starts at the top of the mountain with the Luge and Skyswing. A 5km track descended on 3 wheel carts is a fun-filled option for all ages while the Skyswing sees thrill seekers swinging through the air at 120kph, offering stunning views of the lakes and Rotorua city at the same time.

For those feeling a little less adventurous, there are many walking trails through spectacular forestry and around the lakes. Some of the most popular trails are found in the Hamurana Springs, Lake Tikitapu, Rainbow Mountain and the Tarawera Falls.

Experiencing Rotorua’s geothermal landscape from the air is a unique and exhilarating adventure and is available through a number of operators in the area.

Renowned for its healing qualities, the thermal hot springs of Rotorua draw thousands of visitors to experience the natural therapies, from soaking in the hot waters, relieving aches with a mud wrap with mud sourced from local geothermal sites, to relaxing with a therapeutic massage.

No trip to Rotorua is complete without experiencing a bit of local culture. There are many places throughout the city to watch master carvers and weavers at work and sampling a ‘hangi’ – a traditional method of cooking food in the earth, is a must, along with cultural performances including the world famous ‘Haka’.

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