Maori Village and Museum Te Papa Tongarewa – North Island, New Zealand
What is It - No visit to New Zealand would be complete without learning about the history and culture of the Maori people who first settled the islands in the 14th century after exploring the area in prior centuries. Maori traditions incorporate their peoples’ Pacific Island roots and a reverence for natural resources. Many places in the country retain their Maori names, and even the country’s renowned rugby team uses a Maori war chant or haka before each match. They remain an integral part of the New Zealand nation and comprise about 20% of the population.
Nevertheless, the legacy of colonialism had a severe impact on the development of the islands and its people ever since Captain James Cook charted the coastline in 1769 and claimed the country for England. Some settlers pursued farming, ranching, and trading without substantially disrupting traditional tribal life. But other groups of whalers, sealers, missionaries, and miners came into conflict with various Maori tribes and brought with them firearms and disease. In 1840, some Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the British which purported to recognize British sovereignty over the islands while ensuring Maori rights to their land. The treaty failed to quell disputes over land and governmental authority.
During the 1860s, thousands of British troops along with some Maori allies fought a prolonged series of battles against other Maori tribes on the North Island and the government confiscated additional land. In the next century, the nation of New Zealand emerged with a strong sense of national pride, social reform, and economic prosperity. The government also eventually came to grips with the troubling legacy of the past in the latter part of the 20th century by reexamining Maori land claims, paying compensation to aggrieved tribes and embracing the Maori language in some schools.
There are two ways for a contemporary traveler to sample the Maori culture and heritage. A comprehensive education is offered by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington on the North Island. This modern museum located on Lambton Harbor is one of the largest in the world with exhibition space equivalent to three football fields. It includes everything from outdoor displays to replicas of Maori meeting houses to various works of art. There are also several interactive displays which use technology to convey the ways in which the Maori seek to live with the environment and the animal kingdom.
Another approach is to visit one of the places in the North Island where Maori tribes offer shows or performances displaying their customs and traditions. One of the most popular ones is the Tamaki Maori Village outside Rotorua. Guests are greeted by warriors in full array who lead you through a replica of a pre-European Maori village. Workshops there display traditional weaving, carving and warfare techniques, along with an entertainment program. Another part of the experience is to observe and consume a hangi feast prepared by slow cooking meats, vegetables, and potatoes in an earthen oven full of hot rocks. Although the village experience is certainly touristy, it provides a fun experience which can be enjoyed by children and adults.
Interesting Facts - The tradition of face tattooing from the Maori culture has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years in New Zealand. New Zealand’s remote location like Australia’s has led to the evolution of some distinct animals. Surprisingly though, the more than 30 million sheep now residing on the island which once were the largest industry in New Zealand were introduced by the British to the environment in the 18th century.
How to Get Here – Air New Zealand is a widely respected carrier with flights to Auckland from Honolulu and several airports in the United States, and key points all over Asia. American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines also offer flights. There are very few direct flights to Wellington. Once you arrive on the North Island, the Maori Village in Rotorua is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Auckland or seven hours from Wellington along modern highways.
When to Go – New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere so summertime weather from December to March is usually pleasant, while the winters can be rainy and chilly. The west coast and mountain regions of the North Island can have frequent changes in temperature and weather conditions throughout the year.
Cost - The Tamaki Maori Village costs about $85 USD for adults and $30 USD for children for a three-hour program including the dinner. Admission to the Museum Te Papa Tongarewa is generally free with an occasional charge for special exhibits.