Maori Culture

We offer authentic Maori experiences in the Bay of Islands and would like to give you a peak into the great history of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Northland is the birthplace of New Zealand and the Ngapuhi Maori Tribe are the largest group of Maori in the country. Let us tailor a journey especially for you or join us on some of our great tour options. From Canoe Journeys to thermal pool visits we have you covered. Click around our site to find out more about the adventures we provide.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, overlooking the Bay of Islands, is New Zealand's pre-eminent historic site. It is a place of belonging and enjoyment that is central to the life of the nation and special to all New Zealanders... It was here on February 6th, 1840, that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori and the British Crown.

On site join the rangatahi (young people) at the Whakairo (carving), and Raranga (weaving). Join in and make something from flax, bone or wood. Visit a Marae being constructed as well as learning Maori protocol on a marae, tribal structure and spiritual studies.

In the small town of Moerewa, on State highway 1 is a haven of Maori owned and run businesses. Te Puna I Keteriki is a collective of shops placed around a central courtyard, there’s a place to stop and get your hair cut, the Whare Toi Tangata Gallery, you can buy quality, contemporary Maori Arts and clothing and you can relax at the Tuna Café and enjoy the wonderful food in a uniquely Maori setting (see map). It is a collective that embodies Maori today, offering an interdependent business model of sharing and support. Te Puna i Keteriki is a uniquely Maori venture. It is a twenty first century Maori business model, a model that works.

Our resident Maori cultural group entertains and informs with a 30-minute journey in traditional and contemporary story and song.

Beautiful Mitimiti, remote and unspoilt. Beachfront accommodation, explore or catch a fish, beach tours with local Maori guide. Relax, read a book, swim, beautiful sunsets.

New Zealand's first Quality Backpacker Lodge, run by Local Maoris Kerry & Peter Kitchen, with all of the local knowledge you will ever need. Mainstreet Lodge is situated within the Tuku Wairua Cultural Centre, unique to the South Pacific. Learn bone carving and Maori Culture.

Te Aurere is a traditional waka hourua (voyaging canoe). This theme of cultural revival is central to the purpose of Te Aurere. While the voyaging is important in celebrating the prowess of Polynesian navigators, just as significant is the role of Te Aurere as a platform for developing skills, building teamwork and giving young people a framework for living that has strong traditional roots. The challenges of ocean sailing are a useful metaphor for the challenges of modern life.

Promoting traditional skills and knowledge of Northern and Hokianga styles of carving in wood, bone, stone and weaving with a unique blend of beautiful handcrafted MAORI DESIGNED crafts. Workshops available and sale of arts and crafts.

Experience New Zealand's largest kauri forest - Waipoua, with a guided walk and introduction to the spiritual, cultural and physical importance of this environment.