Aotearoa
"Land of the Long White Cloud"
New Zealand
Naumai, Haeremai! Haeremai!
Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!

This is the homeland of an ancient Polynesian people, the Maori, who have a rich and diverse cultural heritage that you can easily explore and enjoy as you traverse our magnificient and tranquil Country.

In the relatively untouched countryside and surrounding environs, it is easy to visualise the history of the Maori in the lakes, rivers, villages, mountains and sea.

Carved war canoes and fishing craft, terraced fortifications, sacred religious sites, peaceful villages with women weaving, gathering and preparing food, children at play, and men hunting, fishing, planting of crops, carving and attending to war weapons. Love songs as young men court their women. Oral histories, stories, legends. An ancient Priesthood. A social system of law, boundaries, tapu ( sacred), medicine, astronomy. Ancient Royal lines of descent, aristocracy and common folk, all linked with a bond of whanau ( family) Hapu ( sub tribe-clan unit ) Iwi ( tribe), Whakapapa ( genealogy ), heritage and tradition.

All of these images combine to give an insight in to the true ancient history of this Country over that of the more commonly held British Colonial view.

Great tribes abound throughout the land with boundaries established by ancestors who crossed Te Moana Nui A Kiwa ( the great ocean of Kiwa-known today as the Pacific Ocean ), in the great migration of outrigger canoes ( multi-hulled vessels that excited the admiration of European sailors ), from central Polynesia of the islands of Rangiatea and Hawaiki.

From the far North to the lower regions of the South, you will be welcomed to the marae of their villages and to their homes, in these places the history of the Maori springs alive as the people welcome and greet you with outstrectched arms of hospitality.

Once on a marae, a sacred gathering place in front of the Whare Wananga ( House of Learning- a sacred ceremonial dwelling ) from which within you will be able to learn from the tribal elders as they weave the magic of their forefathers through the carvings and woven panels that depict their vibrant history and culture.

You can experience day to day activities such as carving, weaving and Kohanga Reo ( Language nest ) where young children are taught the musical language of their people. You will be able to dine on a traditional Hangi , a sumptuous feast of meat and vegetables prepared in earth ovens and steamed to perfection. This meal is generally preceded by entertainment in the form of traditional songs and dances , from the graceful dances of the women with their melodic songs, to the chants and mighty Hakas, ( war dances ) of the men.

You may also be able to stay overnight in a Ceremonial Meeting House ( Whare Wananga - House of Learning ) and listen to stories of long ago. You will sleep in comfort in the realm of Rongo, the God of Peace and dine in the full aspect of gracious Maori hospitality. No matter where in New Zealand your travel commences, Visitor Information Centres, Maori Tourism Development Board Offices, Airline Companies, Libraries, Museums, Hotels and Motels will be able to assist and introduce you to Aotearoa / New Zealand and the world of the Maori through ongoing tourism promotion that heightens their tourism destinations.

In Auckland, the largest Polynesian City in the World, there are a number of Maori Tourism Operators that you can contact through Visitor Information Centres.

Respective marae throughout the Country are renowned for their programmes offering cultural tourism from an indigenous perspective. Enjoy a whanau homestay, dine with the family, relax in a thermal pool, retire to your own sleeping room, the warmth of the family enfolds you in your cultural experience.

You will be able to enjoy all types of trips with Maori guides ranging from hunting and fishing to horse trekking and white water rafting amidst historical Maori regions, enjoy a farm stay and explore cave systems such as the Waitomo Caves ,relax in the warmth of Maori and European hospitality.

Walk ancient trails through magnificent rainforests, over rivers and streams and along the foreshore and cliffs of the ocean, a natural and wonderful way to experience the history of the Maori. Remember to listen out for our native birds, some of which you may be able to see, and learn about the plants used in traditional Maori medicines.

Going deeper into the Maori cultural experience you can visit the Uruwera country, home of the Tuhoe people or visit the Te Aupouri people of Kaitaia and the vast regions of Ngapuhi in the North.

Other tribes that you may be able to visit to experience their culture include: · The Ngati Porou and Ngati Kahungunu of the East Coast and Hawke Bay. · The Tainui people of Hauraki, Raukawa, Waikato & King Country. · The Tuwharetoa people of Lake Taupo. · The Arawa people of Rotorua · The Ngai Tahu and affiliate tribes of the South Island.

Due to the increased interest in New Zealand as a cultural attraction, travel and tourism education now plays an increasingly important role in the Maori community. The richness of the Maori language and culture has set Aotearoa /New Zealand apart in the South Pacific as a major tourism destination and this reputation is enriched by the gentleness, warmth and hospitality of all New Zealanders.

As tourism continues to grow and develop, so too do Maori in the quality and professionalism they bring to tourism, more so as the young people train to meet the growing demands of the tourism industry. This growth builds upon traditional values of courtesy and hospitality and is enhanced with training in customer service skills, communication and technology and moves on from the conceived view of Maori tourism as hangi and entertainment.

Maori are ongoing in their development…. As culture moves, so too do people. With the great diversity of Maori emerging with creativity, authenticity, traditional and contemporary programmes in their tourism product.

The development of a rich eco-tourism throughout Aotearoa / New Zealand and the global recognition of Maori, coupled with a growing interest in the indigenous cultural identity of this land has set Aotearoa / New Zealand apart as a unique tourist destination.

The marketing strategies of the Maori Tourism Development Board as a National and International Body of Business Research in Cultural Tourism Development has seen a commitment to the progress of Maori to inbound tourism.

To you our visitors we extend our welcome.

Naumai, Haeremai, Haeremai.

Aotearoa / New Zealand as a Constitutional Monarchy with a Parliament based on Westminster recognises Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 as the Sovereign of New Zealand.

The Founding Constitutional Document known as the Treaty of Waitangi, 6 th February 1840 imparts in its Third Article the following:

"In consideration therefore, Her Majesty the Queen of England extends to the natives of New Zealand her Royal protection, and imparts to them all the Rights and Privileges of British Subjects."

Maori pronunciation follows the conventions in the Romance Languages.

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Maori Tourism Development Board Index