Experience New Zealand Maori Culture
The New Zealand Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, or, in Maori, Aotearoa — meaning The Land of the Long White Cloud.
First, a little bit of history –
The Maori arrived in New Zealand from East Polynesia in several waves some time before the year 1300. They settled in the country, developing a distinct culture, along with a language closely related to the Tahitian and Cook Islands Maori.
The Maori society destabilized in the late 18th century, in large part because of weapons and diseases introduced by the Europeans. By the mid-1800′s they had lost much of their land, and the society went into a cultural and numerical decline. By about the 1960′s a marked Maori cultural revival began, and today the population has begun to increase again.
Maori have a distinct and beautiful culture that any visitor to New Zealand should experience. Here are three recommended Maori experiences that will give a visitor a glimpse at the culture of this indigenous population.
Maori Cultural Performance at Auckland Museum
The Auckland Museum has the largest and most valuable collection of Maori taonga (treasures) in the world. Taonga are the ancestral representations of all the major tribes of Aotearoa, and provide descendants with tangible links to their ancestral landscapes, their history and the people that came before them. Taonga embody spiritual power measured in terms of mana (ancestral authority), tapu (restriction from everyday being) and korero (associated narratives), and these are viewed as key symbols of tribal identity by Maori today.
Even though at first glance you may not understand what each of the treasures signify, you’ll no doubt find the Maori Galleries to be a spiritual and calm place.
It is a quiet place of reflection, allowing you an opportunity to learn about and understand the nature and history of the Maori, and Aotearoa, New Zealand.
If you like, you can also take a tour with a representative who will explain the artifacts and history to you.
Also at the Auckland Museum is the Maori Cultural Performance. The performance is recognized as one of the leading Maori cultural experiences in New Zealand. The performers are the face of Ngati Whatua O Orakei, the home tribe (Mana Whenua) of Auckland — (Tamaki Harenga Waka).
The performances gives you a warm, vibrant and entertaining glimpse of Maori culture. You are welcomed by a Maori woman with a powhiri welcome ceremony. They perform dances with poi’s, leading up to the warrior’s finishing the performance with a high-energy spine-tingling version of the world famous Haka (the famous war dance used by the All Blacks Rugby team!). The performers are so intense in that it can be quite scary!
After the performance you can talk to the performers and have your photos taken with them.
The Auckland Museum is located at The Auckland Domain, Parnell (map). They have daily shows on 11:00am, 12:00 noon, 1:30pm for the months of May to December and an extra performance at 2:30pm for the months of January to April. Admission prices are: Adults: $25.00 for residents / $35.00 for non-residents. Children: $12.50 residents and non-residents.
Auckland New Zealand Maori Tours
This tour gives you the once in a lifetime experience of staying overnight, or for the weekend on an authentic Maori Marae, a Maori meeting house.
You will be asked to remove your shoes as you are welcomed onto the Marae with a traditional Maori powhiri and the famous welcome greeting of hongi — nose pressing.
At the Marae you will take part in a traditional Maori feast – the hangi – where food is cooked underground in a covered fire pit. This method of cooking makes the meat and vegetables deliciously tender with a smoky flavor. Make sure you sample the native Kumara which is similar in taste to a sweet potato.
Marae cultural walks will provide you the opportunity to learn the history of the Marae, Maori, and the Treaty of Waitang, and try your hand at flax weaving or wood carving. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about tikanga, Maori customs and traditions, and even go home knowing some basic Te Reo (Maori language).
Marae stays are for group bookings of 15 or more people. The price per person is $295 per person for a weekend stay. Booking arrangements can be made online.
An overnight or weekend trip to Rotorua
Rotorua is a three hour drive from Auckland International Airport but is definitely worth marking the trip. The area has a mystic, eerie feel about it, and is steeped in rich history.
Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and hot bubbling mud pools is the Living Maori Village of Whakarewarewa (map). Here you’ll discover the unique lifestyle and traditions of the people through a guided tour, helping you understand how the Maori people have come to live in harmony with their environment. Options include a guided tour, watching cultural performances, and eating a hangi feast. I’d recommend you stay for a weekend and do all three.
Rotorua has lots of other great activities besides relaxing in thermal pools. Try a trip downhill on a luge, roll down the hill in a giant zorb, or fly through the air on a swoop!
The Living Maori Village of Whakarewarewa is located at 9 Tukiterangi Street, Rotorua, and is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm. Prices range from $29-73 depending on the package you have selected. For more information visit their website.
Even though it takes a long time to get to our little corner of the world, it’s worth every minute. Come visit, and spare a little time to experience our beautiful little country of Aotearoa – ‘The land of the long white cloud’ – New Zealand!
Photos via Flickr - Pietroizzo for New Zealand Maori, Jad_23 for New Zealand Haka, Carol Green for New Zealand Marae
