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COVID-19 travel alert: New Zealand is currently at Alert Level 4. Learn more.
Aroha ki tenei wahi. Arohaina Taupo. Love this place. Love Taupo. Experience Taupo’s Maori culture and connect with local people and local stories.
Whether it’s foraging for flora and fauna in the wild with Kai Waho, relaxing with a traditional Maori massage, taking part in an interactive experience of traditional Maori songs and kapa haka (performance) with the Haka Shop, or discovering the giant Mine Bay Maori rock carving that tells the story of the great Maori high priest Ngatoroirangi, you will leave Taupo having connected with local people and local stories.
Discover more about the heritage of local iwi Ngati Tuwharetoa at the Taupo Museum, as well as viewing a mighty 15m waka crafted from a single totara log.
You can also visit some of New Zealand’s most significant Maori pa sites (fortified villages) where you can learn about the history of the famous Ka Mate Haka at Opotaka Historic Reserve or discover the site where the last major engagement of the New Zealand Wars was fought in 1869 at Te Porere Redoubt.
Embark on your own special journey into the culture, local history and kai (food) of this region.
Silcia terraces, thermal bathing pools, massage therapy, Maori cultural experiences, geothermal tours.
See steaming hot mineral pools and spluttering mud pools on this short, easy walk.
Maori Hangi dinner & Cultural show- Meet the real locals to hear the real stories of our tribal area. The Haka Shop welcomes you! Or take a walk with guide "Snow" or weave a mini kete with our expert weavers.
Opotaka is a historical Māori pa site (fortified village) where you can learn about the history of the famous Ka Mate Haka, see the remains of the Māori settlement, and enjoy spectacular views across Lake Rotoaira to Mt Tongariro.
Hear the songs and stories of ancient Tuwharetoa, participate in interactive Maori performances and traditional games, learn to work the poi and even get your own moko tattoo on this special Lake Taupo Maori culture scenic cruise.
Kai Waho is an experience that is shared in the true essence of ‘manaakitanga’ with all visitors interacting with all activities.