Maori Marae Visit
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Port
Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand
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Activity Level
Easy
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$139.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
From Mt Maunganui, cross the Tauranga Bridge to enter downtown Tauranga, where you will drive through the city center before heading west to a local Maori Marae -- a real working Maori marae or meeting place, where the local tribe regularly gathers.
Gain an in-depth view of how the Maori have retained their culture and customs in a rapidly changing world. Maori customs and protocol will be fully explained.
You will witness a traditional warrior challenge (wero) and powhiri (welcome onto the marae), which will be followed by speeches of welcome and a hongi -- the pressing of noses.
The elders or kaumatua of the tribe invite you to enter the marae, where the carvings and customs of the tribe will be explained. Until the arrival of the Europeans, the Maori had no written language, so much of their story was told through intricate carvings.
After some light refreshments, watch a lively Maori concert performed by local school children featuring action songs, poi dances, stick games and the haka war dance. The local weavers at the marae are proud to present their work.
Return to Mt Maunganui via the Minden Lookout and around the shores of beautiful Tauranga Harbour.
Notes: