Maori Culture

DEEPEN YOUR CONNECTION TO AOTEAROA

Māori have lived in Te Moananui ā Toi ׀ Coastal Bay of Plenty for almost 1000 years, when several waka landed here including Mataatua, Tākitimu and Te Arawa.
Generations of Māori have thrived here since and current descendants are fiercely proud of their culture and traditions.

It’s common to hear Te Reo (the Māori language) spoken fluently and around 30 per cent of the Bay of Plenty’s population identifies as Māori. Therefore, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy and learn about Aotearoa’s indigenous culture here.

We have several cultural attractions and specialist tours you will enjoy where you can hear about local myths and legends, history, customs and traditions. Learn about our region through a Te Ao Māori (worldview) lens including the story of how Mauao (Mount Maunganui) came to be, and how early iwi forged a new way of life when they first arrived on these shores.

Signage has greatly improved in recent years for local pā sites, battlefields and other points of interest. Walk around at your leisure and read about Māori history that has unfolded in centuries past.