Take your family on a journey into Te Ao Māori, the Māori world, where you can enjoy stories about the beginning of our nation’s history.

Throughout Aotearoa there are a number of experiences where you can deepen your understanding of Māori customs and their connection to the natural and spiritual world.

Please note: Venue information was correct at the time of publication. Please check with individual venues for the latest opening dates, times, prices, etc, before making plans. Regions and venues may have travel and access restrictions due to the Covid-19 Protection Framework.

Manea Footprints of Kupe

Footprints of Kupe is a 75-minute multi-sensory journey of guided storytelling – through art, taonga (cultural treasures), film, performance, digital interaction, and the splendour of Hokianga’s natural surroundings. The descendants of Kupe welcome you, as do the spirits of their ancestors.

Tāmaki-makau-rau – Auckland

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Explore the Māori galleries, He Taonga Māori (Māori Court) and Te Ao Tūroa (Māori Natural History Gallery) while learning more about the rich and diverse history. Taonga on display include a number of original full-size buildings, e Toki ā Tāpiri, the last great war canoe, and a host of everyday objects used for living, hunting and fishing.

Find out what’s on for kids and families.

Te Haerenga o Ngai Tai ki Tamaki

A one day guided walking tour on Auckland’s iconic Rangitoto Island and an introduction to neighbouring Motutapu Island. Knowledgeable guides will share with you traditional and contemporary stories linked to these beautiful islands and give you an insight into Māori culture and the local Ngāi Tai people.

Tamaki Māori Village

Journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient traditions with Tamaki Māori Village, the most award-winning cultural attraction in New Zealand. Enjoy the day time experience or immerse yourself in the Māori way of life with an overnight stay beneath the shelter of an ancient tawa forest.

Te Puia

Sharing outstanding taonga (treasures) with visitors for over 170 years. See the powerful Pōhutu geyser and other geothermal wonders, then seek out Aotearoa’s national treasure in the Kiwi Conservation Centre. Learn about Māori history and culture as you watch master carvers and weavers from the NZ Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.

Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington

Māori Highlights Tour – Te Papa Museum

Discover New Zealand’s rich history and cultures through Te Papa’s world-leading exhibitions and treasures. Beginning over one hundred million years ago, join your guide on a journey through New Zealand’s rich history and cultures. Hear stories of Aotearoa’s adaptive wildlife, the resilience of the Māori people, and artistic interpretations of life in the South Pacific.

Ōtautahi Christchurch

Ko Tāne

The South Island’s premier Māori cultural experience with a hāngī dinner, set in native bush surroundings. Ko Tāne will include a pōwhiri, kapahaka and a hāngī dinner as well as being introduced to a traditional way of life.

Main photo credit: Fraser Clement

Explore further

• Get On Your Bike For A Family Cycling Holiday
• Rotorua destination guide
• Made to share Aotearoa stories

Written by Kidspot New Zealand in partnership with Tourism New Zealand.