New Zealand has many incredible attractions and interesting places to visit. Among these numerous attractions are many that give you insight into Maori culture and traditions. Below you will find listed some great New Zealand attractions for those people looking for Maori travel experiences. New Zealand tourism has been booming over the last few years and Maori sightseeing has been a major contributor to this boom. The information below includes where these attractions are located, what you will find there, and why these attractions are so popular.
New Zealand Maori Tourist Attractions
Auckland Museum
This museum, officially named the Auckland War Memorial Museum, has the largest collection of Maori artifacts in the world. It is located in Auckland, New Zealand. The museum protects and cares for an outstanding and significant collection of Maori treasures (taonga) including large war canoes, meetinghouses, greenstone weapons, and feather cloaks. Also, a Maori performance group puts on a stunning show several times a day.
New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute
The New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI), located in Rotorua, New Zealand, opened in 1963 with the purpose of helping to preserve traditional Maori art forms. Here Maori elders teach young men and women the skills of carving and creating Maori art. Tours are given where you can observe Maori carvings and other crafts being created. The institute is located next to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve which is a beautiful location with numerous hot springs and geysers.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is one of New Zealand's most important historic sites. This is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the Maori and the British Crown in 1840; an important event in Maori history. At this famous site, located in Waitangi, New Zealand, are great examples of traditional Maori architecture. There are also Maori performances and tours of the location available. This location also has spectacular views of the Bay of Islands.
Tamaki Maori Village
This re-created ancient Maori village, located in Rotorua, New Zealand, was the New Zealand Tourism Awards Supreme winner in 1998 and won the national heritage and cultural tourism awards several times. It presents Maori life as it used to be prior to European settlement. There is a tour of the village with a Maori elder. Here you will learn about Maori culture , including their ancient myths. You will experience a traditional Maori performance along with traditional Maori food.
East Cape
The East Cape of New Zealand is a remote enclave of Maori culture located on the far eastern corner of New Zealand's North Island. There are numerous Maori settlements and highly decorative Maori churches located on the East Cape. It is one of the last places in New Zealand where the Maori language is part of everyday life. Locals will tell you that this is the real New Zealand, the way it used to be. On the East Cape you will also find the Gisborne Museum (Tairawhiti Museum and Art Gallery) considered by many as one of the best museums on New Zealand.
