6 unique Maori cultural experiences in New Zealand you shouldn’t miss

Spend a day out at Abel Tasman National Park – which is known for its beautiful beaches – in a hand-crafted waka. These sea-faring canoes are a significant part of Maori culture and were vital for travel and trade across the Pacific Ocean. Immerse yourself in this experience – every trip begins and ends with a blessing for protection. You will get to familiarise yourself with the wake and learn the etiquette before embarking on your scenic journey along the coast.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are sacred to all New Zealanders. This was where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori chiefs and the British Crown in 1840, marking the founding of New Zealand. Take a guided tour through the historic site to see all it has to offer: two contemporary museums, inspiring Maori cultural performances, a historic war canoe, and a gorgeous art gallery and carving studio. We recommend the Waitangi Experience Pass so you can explore all these at your own pace over two days. 

Journey into the Maori world at the attraction Manea – Footprints of Kupe. This 75-minute multisensory encounter traces the arrival of the Maori ancestor Kupe’s arrival at Hokianga Harbour 950 years ago, and his stories of exploration and discovery. Told vividly through large-scale artworks, taonga (cultural treasures), film, performance and digital interactives, this walk through Maori tribal history is at once grand and intimate. 

Te Puia in Rotorua is a must-visit for its majestic geysers, bubbling mud pools and natural hot springs. Te Puia is also home to the world-famous Pohotu geyser, New Zealand’s largest one yet. It erupts many times a day and up to dizzying heights of 30 metres. Rotorua is also steeped in Maori culture – visit the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute to witness traditional Maori arts such as flax weaving and bone carving, or even book in for a traditional tattoo at the studio.

Step into the haunting and beautiful Waipoua Forest, where ancient kauri trees have stood for generations. Among them is the majestic Tane Mahuta, also known as ‘God of the Forest’, one of New Zealand’s tallest native kauri trees. The forest is best enjoyed on tour with Footprints Waipoua – these local Maori storytellers weave spell-binding tales of myths, legends, and the forest’s role in Maori lives. The twilight tour is particularly magical, giving you an unparalleled opportunity to witness the forest as it transforms from day into night. 

There’s no going to New Zealand without checking out its amazing marine life. Whale Watch Kaikoura takes you across the southern waters where you can spot dolphins, albatrosses, and of course, sperm whales. Get a dose of culture as you soak in nature too – hear stories of how the local Maori people live with the land and sea together as one. You’ll also learn of the great ancestor, Paikea, who came to Aotearoa from the Pacific Islands on the back of a whale many centuries ago. 

You can first get a taste of this beautiful culture by visiting a new and permanent Maori carving at Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud Forest, symbolising trust, reciprocity and New Zealand’s friendship with Singapore. The majestic kūwaha (bespoke Maori carving) is called Tāne Mahuta and is crafted from a tree that is estimated to be over 2,500 years old which fell naturally in the forest during a severe storm.

Feel the manaakitanga (hospitality) of New Zealanders. Book a flight now or find out more about Maori culture and experiences at ​​newzealand.com/sg/maori-culture.