Discover a unique Maori culture reflecting the peoples of New Zealand. New Zealand is officially a bicultural society with the indigenous Maori culture, language and traditions part and parcel of a kiwi identity. Modern English is peppered with words ‘borrowed’ from Maori to express Maori values.
Maori cultural attractions and experiences are a #nzmustdo for overseas visitors, especially our Australian neighbours. Get to meet us on our home turf instead of a sports field. Australian and other overseas visitors have an unparalleled opportunity to find out more about a contemporary society where two distinct cultures are in the process of weaving a one-of-the-kind kiwi personality.
There are a number of Maori tour attractions that are must-go places to visit and learn more about the fascinating story of the settlement of New Zealand.
#nzmustdo places for overseas visitors to experience authentic Maori culture:
- Maori Cultural Attractions – Places to Visit – Best Bits
- Top 11 places to experience Maori heritage & culture in Aotearoa New Zealand
Want to Explore Unique Maori Culture? Book the Best Tour!
Cultural tourism does not need to be ancient Roman ruins or mediaeval walled towns, engage, listen and discover New Zealand culture that is modern, contemporary and, at times contentious.
It’s real, with real people living in their ancestral land. Find out more about the identity of Aotearoa New Zealand and its Maori culture, heritage and history.
The best bit about your holiday in New Zealand, Maori culture is not in a museum (although our museums are awesome), it is alive, the guides could easily be Maori greeting you and showing you around their patch of earth. There are passionate Maori operators enthusiastic about introducing visitors to their treasure trove of stories, happenings and the important places that are part of their cultural legacy.
Growing in popularity is the celebration of Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique new mid-winter public holiday, Matariki. Mid-year, the lunar festival often occurs in June.
WHAT IS THE POPULATION OF NEW ZEALAND?
New Zealand’s population consists of:
- 70% European,
- 17-18% Maori descent,
- 15% Asian,
- and 8% Pacific Island origin.
While the Maori people are of Polynesian descent (Pacific Islands), over 1000 years of habitation in New Zealand formed a distinct Maori culture and traditions shaped by the islands of New Zealand. Today NZ is a rich medley of Maori, European, Pacific Island and Asian influences.
Over three-quarters of the population now live in the North island with over one and half million in Auckland. The overall population is five million people. The main cities are Wellington (capital city in lower North Island), Hamilton in the central North Island and Christchurch the largest city in the South Island.
WHY ARE NEW ZEALANDERS CALLED KIWIS?
The name kiwi reflects the special place a nocturnal flightless bird unique to New Zealand. The kiwi bird is a national symbol of the country. The feathers of the kiwi were the fibre of the valuable clocks worn by tribal chiefs.
World War I and the use of the term kiwis was used. Just like the bird New Zealanders are proud of a bird that is surviving the perils of not being able to fly (a lot of introduced nasty predators). The plucky, stoic kiwi bird is the perfect icon for the country.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
