Latest Newsletter from the Best of New Zealand Fly Fishing - 07 pg 3
Experience Maori culture in New Zealand
The maori people are the indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and first arrived in Waka Hourua (voyaging canoes) from their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki over 1000 years ago. Today, Maori make up over 14 percent of the population. Their language and culture has a major impact on all facets of New Zealand life.
Many clients want to learn more about the Maori culture in New Zealand, but on a more direct and informal basis--not by attending a staged show at a hotel. Over the years we have sought out accommodations and activities in New Zealand that offer an insight into the Maori culture. We are pleased to share some of these unique and individualized experiences.
Matai House, Wellington
Originally built circa 1913 as a private residence, this fine villa offers boutique, character, four stars plus Qualmark-rated Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Superbly located just 5 minutes drive from both the airport and city centre.
"Walk through the front door of this fine character villa and you will be greeted with warm and friendly Kiwi smiles and breathtaking views across the harbor"
Your Hosts
Sue and Wayne are "absolutely positively Wellingtonians". Wayne is of Maori descent and hails from the Ngati Hine, a sub-tribe of the northern Ngapuhi tribe. Wayne loves relating the journeys of his seafaring ancestors as they found their way to Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud, more than 1000 years ago and sharing his experiences growing up in New Zealand (Aotearoa)...as a young tamaiti (boy) running bare-foot on his family marae (meeting place), fishing for snapper, gathering paua (abalone) and kina (sea urchin) - through to discussing the Treaty of Waitangi and how it has shaped New Zealand as we know it today. Wayne still makes regular trips with friends to Wellington's southern coast to fish and gather kai moana (seafood) and if you are lucky enough to be staying at Matai House at the right time you may be able to join him!
Sue shares a love of Wayne's Maori heritage and their home is adorned with pieces of art that reflect a rich blend of Maori custom and tradition. When you stay at Matai House it is Wayne & Sue's aim to have you easily using at least one Maori word by the time you have to leave.
Heartland Lodge, Twizel
Heartland Lodge is a purpose-built, large and comfortable B&B. In a rural setting with a magnificent backdrop of mountains, it is only minutes from the Twizel town centre with all services, banks, and restaurants. This Bed & Breakfast is 45 minutes from the World Heritage Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, and enjoys some of the best fly fishing and alpine walks in the world. Battle scenes from The Lord of the Rings movies were filmed close by.
Your Hosts
Steve and Kerry are friendly, genuine kiwi hosts and have been involved in the accommodation industry for many years. Kerry is of Maori descent and enjoys sharing her knowledge of Nga Tikana Maori (Maori culture and language) with you. Steve is a member of NZ Professional Fishing Guides Assn and owns and operates Mt Cook Flyfishing. He has fished and guided in Alaska, Canada, Christmas Islands, Tonga and many other parts of the world.
Awatuna Homestead, West Coast
Awatuna Homestead, on the West Coast of the Southern Alps (Te Tai O Poutini), offers much more than just accommodation. It is really an escape to an untouched world where you can relax amidst a peaceful setting, yet with a touch of homely elegance. It is an elegant coastal retreat, situated between Greymouth and Hokitika, offering peace and privacy amidst a spectacular setting of unspoiled native bush and lush gardens. Within this environment it's easy to relax and recharge...enjoy cultural story-telling in the evening with your hosts, Pauline and Hëmi.
Your Hosts
The Te Räkau family - Pauline, Hëmi, Eleanor and Peter - will provide a hospitality that is in keeping with the best and truest Awatuna traditions.
Dean Whaanga - Fishing Guide,
Ranfurly Ranfurly is a central base to access the Maniototo plains and is home to legendary Maori guide Dean Whaanga, a jovial and talented angler, with the knowledge and experience to unlock the mysteries of the Maniototo's waterways.
Dean has been a professional guide for the past 14 years and lives in the small town of Ranfurly in Otago with his wife Lorraine. Ranfurly offers uncrowded waters and a rich diversity of water types.
Long Island Tours, Hawke's Bay
Enjoy a guided scenic tour of local Hawke's Bay gems - Maori Culture, Wine & Food, Art Deco, Te Mata Peak, Gardens and Arts. Walk amongst the finest of the Art Deco and Spanish Mission-style buildings in Napier.
Visit a local Maori village - Tony, a kaumatua of his village, ably demonstrates the wonderful Maori characteristics. He is able to share and communicate the things that are important to the Maori of today and give visitors a clear understanding of where they are placed today and what it is that makes their race special.
Enjoy a platter lunch at a winery. Taste the delicious wines and food, meet people passionate about their products and relax in superb settings. Spend time visiting and talking with local artists in coastal areas, including a coastal walk.
Te Kiri Trek, Rotorua
The journey begins with a powhiri (traditional Maori welcome) at Ohinemutu, an ancestral home, where you will be briefed on local Maori Kawa (protocol) and history. Then travel south of Rotorua to see thermal activity, including arsenic lake and mud pools, and on to the most active volcano in this region, Kakaramea, with its own boiling lake. See the hot springs at its base and the many steaming vents on its slopes. Light refreshments are supplied for morning tea before heading for the peak of the mountain to be awed by some of the most breathtaking views of the thermal region. Continue on an adventurous 4WD safari through native forests and be prepared to enjoy an "all you can eat" meal in a secluded area surrounded
by bush and phenomenal views. Opportunity to bush trek to amazing waterfall sights, where you can feel the awesome energy of moving water. Swim in a crystal clear river to refresh your spirit or relax with a hot thermal swim and reflect on the day.
Guide Roger Te Kiri
Maori Tours Kaikoura
Experience a half day tour that's a real mixture of laughter and learning, full of the spirit of age old knowledge, yet entirely of today. You will sense the warmest of welcomes and a refreshing perspective, where you're part of a real cultural exchange that enriches the soul and leaves you with an appreciation and understanding of Maori people, their ways and links to the environment.
Your Host
Guide Maurice Manawatu
It is a boutique tour for a maximum of 10 guests who will: Learn the history of Kaikoura Maori and understand how that shapes the relationship with the environment; Visit ancient sites of pre-European days, hear how they were once settled and see the stories the land still tells today; Explore one of Kaikoura's bush walkways to learn traditional uses of plants as food and medicine; Join in and become familiar with Maori customs and protocol...and much more.
Each tour is lead by members of the ‘Ngati Kuri' sub-tribe of Kaikoura. All 'Ngati Kuri' share one common ancestor and have spiritual links to the Kaikoura coastline that span more than 800 years. "Our history is rich and the voices of our ancestors echo through the stories we tell today."
New and updated pages:
Latest Newsletter | Client comments | 2005/06 client photos |
