Experience the thrill of the wero, the traditional challenge to
visitors, as you are brought into the sacred precinct of Tane
Mahuta, Maori God of the Forest. Hear the haunting traditional
call, the Karanga, performed by a wahine (woman) as the powhiri
(ritual of arrival) begins, allowing you to enter our hidden
enclave.
Listen to a tane (male) explain the customs of the Ngai Tahu
tribe, as you visit the Living Village and witness an ancient way
of life where Maori struggled to survive in the harsh conditions of
the most southerly of the Polynesian Pacific Islands.
Learn about the coming of the Pakeha (fair-skinned ones), the
changes Maori were forced to make from their traditional way of
life and how the culture has grown and adapted as a result.
Join in the laughter as you take part in a performance of the
haka (men) or the poi dance (women), and be entertained by the
songs and games performed by our kapa haka (Maori cultural
performance) group.
Our village is set in the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, one of
Christchurch's leading attractions, where you can take a guided New
Zealand nature tour and get close to Kiwi, Kea and other native
bird species housed in sensitively purpose-built environments.
New - try our Hangi dinner dining experience in our
licensed restaurant.
Methods of Payment
Address:
60 Hussey Road
Harewood 8051
Christchurch
Phone:
+64 3 359 6226
Fax:
+64 3 359 6212
Transport
free transport from City Centre