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.