Maori Culture in Rotorua
Rotorua is the Heartland of Maori culture and the spirit and heritage of local Maori enriches the region as
surely as the geothermal activity enlivens it. Ngati Whakaue, the name of the local tribe, arrived in Aoteroa
New Zealand, aboard the waka (canoe), Te Arawa. The people are often called Te Arawa, for the name of the mighty
waka that brought Tamatekapua, the leader of the tribe, and his people to Ohinemutu on the bank of Lake Rotorua.
Note: Te Arawa is often used to describe the extended tribe descended from Tamatekapua. Ngati Whakaue is just
one of these.
The hospitality and generosity of the Ngati Whakaue people goes right back to early European visits when the
tribe became the very first guides to the magnificent natural wonders of their homeland. This warm and welcoming
attitude is alive in the local people today and Rotorua is a tourist destination with a tradition of expressive
joy and energy in sharing the rich culture and lush landscape.
There are ample opportunities to witness the deeply moving expressions of Maori Culture in Rotorua. Legends,
stories and history come to us through an abundance of creative medias; music, art, carvings, poi dancing and
the famous Haka.
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