After more than 130 years away, Mataatua Wharenui - New Zealand's only repatriated and most travelled Māori meeting house – stands once again as the unifying soul of the Ngāti Awa (one of the Maori
Māori Culture
Māori are the tangata whenua (indigenous people of the land) of New Zealand and their culture is an integral part of Whakatane.
The local Maori people delight in sharing their heritage with visitors and will enrich your experience wherever you go. Encounter the warmth, proud spirit, deep sense of history and quick humour that is this culture.
Maori culture is also one of Whakatane's biggest draw cards now that the Mataatua Wharenui ( Maatatua Te Manuka Tutahi - marae - meeting house) has returned home after 130 years.
Tauwhare Pa, located next to Ohiwa Harbour at Ohope Beach, Whakatane, is a must see Maori culture and history attraction. It is a preserved pre-European Maori occupation site and one of the oldest pa sites in the area.
Enjoy the legendary hospitality the Maori people are renowned for. Experience New Zealand's food, culture and legends with a visit to Whakatane.
Featured Māori Culture Listings
MOANARUA BEACH COTTAGE
Miria and Taroi of Moanarua Beach Cottage Ōhope offer a unique cultural experience in a romantic hideaway.
TE KŌPUTU A TE WHANGA A TOI WHAKATANE LIBRARY & EXHIBITION CENTRE
Explore rich history at Whakatane Museum and immerse yourself in diverse knowledge and art in this dynamic community.
TIO ŌHIWA | ŌHIWA OYSTER FARM
Alongside our Ōhiwa Harbour Cruise & Oyster Experience, we offer a range of seafood, burgers, and mouthwatering meals.
WHAKATANE MUSEUM & RESEARCH CENTRE
The Whakatāne Museum and Research Centre - Te Whare Taonga ō Taketake houses the museum collection and archives.
Māori Culture Listings
Tauwhare Pa
Tauwhare Pa, located next to Ohiwa Harbour at Ohope Beach, Whakatane, is a must see Maori culture and history attraction. It is a preserved pre-European Maori occupation site, one of the oldest pa sites in the area.
It was built by Te Hapuoneone, an ancient tribe from which many of today's iwi descend.
The name Tauwhare implies 'the village suspended in space'. When viewed from the bottom of the southern end of the pā, the village gives this impression.