Ko Tane Maori Cultural Experience

Description

The amazing Ko Tane Māori Cultural Experience will bring you a true taste of the proud history of New Zealand. Discover what the pre European culture was like and take part in some of the beautiful traditions held dear by the people of the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’!

Ko Tane – which is set only 15 minutes from Christchurch, in the beautiful surroundings of Willowbank Wildlife Reserve – is the only Māori cultural experience on the South Island and is dedicated to bringing you a truly authentic representation of New Zealand’s past. The Willis family – who are the founders of Willowbank Wildlife Reserve – have joined with the Brennan family to create this magnificent cultural experience. The Brennan family have roots in the dominant South Island Māori tribe, the Ngai Tahu.

Before the European arrival to New Zealand, the South Island Ngai Tahu tribe – through trial and tribulation – had developed a well-entrenched tradition that included interactions with other tribes (usually for strategic marriages, but sometimes for war), hunting, crafting, martial arts, dancing, singing, games, storytelling and spiritual ritual. You will learn about these traditional activities through insightful storytelling and carefully reconstructed displays, allowing you to gain a thorough understanding of this amazing race of people. You will also learn of the changes wrought by the arrival of the Pakeha (Europeans); how their guns, diseases and alcohol caused destruction and mayhem, until the Treaty of Waitangi was drafted by Captain William Hobson and things began to settle. Despite this tumultuous time, the Ngai Tahu tribe survived, and you will be enthralled as you are told of the way in which they managed to integrate their ways with the ways of the Pakeha settlers.

As you watch (and even join in) the key traditional actions of the Ngai Tahu, you will get a sense of the passionate pride and spiritual strengths this group still carry within themselves. The three steps of the powhiri (greeting ceremony) will first intimidate you with the wero (challenge), before the karanga (entrance cry/call) will send shivers up your spine with its haunting beauty. The final greeting – the hongi (Māori greeting through shared breath) – will leave you feeling a sacred bond with the Ngai Tahu people. The kapa haka group will have you both in awe and laughing when they perform the waiata ringa (action songs), then ask the men to join them for the haka, and the women to join in the poi dance. 

After the performance by the kapa haka group, you will be served four delicious courses of traditional Hangi cooked meals, including meat, seafood, native vegetables, salads and dessert (a selection of wine and beer available from the licensed bar). During your meal, you will be able to interact with the Ko Tane performers, allowing you to gain further insight into their wonderful culture.

Guided Kiwi Tour
Prior to your Ko Tane Māori Cultural Experience, a friendly and experienced Willowbank park warden will lead you on a guided kiwi tour to see the amazing kiwi bird. This delightful tour will allow you to see the gorgeous natural bushland of New Zealand, and its native and introduced birds and animal species. See the Kea 'mountain parrot' in the Alpine aviaries and get a glimpse of the nightlife in the nocturnal house  

Trip Includes

• Ko Tane Maori cultural performance
• Traditional Hangi dinner & dessert
• Licensed bar
• Willowbank Reserve entry & guided kiwi tour (optional)
• Return transfers from your Christchurch accommodation

Duration

• 2.5 hours (allow 3.5 hours if doing the guided kiwi tour)

Departures

• Ko Tane Maori Cultural Experience - 5.15pm (Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat)
• Ko Tane + Kiwi Tour - 4.30pm (Thurs, Fri & Sat)
• Departs Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, 60 Hussey Rd, Northwood, Christchurch or pick up from central Christchurch
• Operates all year

Other Information

• Child rates apply (5-14yrs)
• Bookings essential
• A complimentary shuttle service is available for the Ko Tane Maori Cultural Experience that departs the city centre as well as some central city hotels and motels en-route
• Wear comfortable clothing & footwear
• Please advise of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking