Authentic Activity

Hawke’s Bay is racing ahead with some of its authentic and imaginative Maori tourism offerings. One of those leading the charge is Brigid Ormond of Long Island Tours, who tailors authentic experiences to match visitor interest. It is about being interactive, putting people together and allowing some of Hawke’s Bay’s colourful characters to share tales and legends of previous times. It’s all about learning the rich local history, told only as those who hold the stories, myths and legends close to their hearts can do. Opportunities include marae visits or overnight stays, spiritual tours, bush walks, Maori art and traditional crafts, with some workshops available.

For those with limited time there is a daily tour from Napier (9am - 1.15pm) that gives a short burst of cultural immersion, visiting Maori artists, the experience of an official powhiri at Te Mata Peak, meetings with fascinating local characters, winery visits and a winery lunch. At the other end of the scale, take several days on a journey to the Te Urewera National Park and Lake Waikaremoana to spend time with Tuhoe Maori.

Long Lost Knowledge Tours bases its operations around the Waimarama Marae and its four hapu: Ngati Kurukuru, Ngati Whakaiti, Ngati Hikatoa and Ngati Urakiterangi. Visitors are welcomed onto the marae, there are introductions to locals and a choice of several authentic experiences, many of them related to the stunningly poignant Bare Island that protrudes from the waters just a short distance from Waimarama Beach. Orine Gillies-Ropiha says Long Lost Knowledge Tours gives visitors a chance to learn the history and importance of Bare Island to local Maori. There are visits to a family farm where remains of strategic pa sites that formed the last line of defence for the Ngati Kahungunu can be seen. At Waimarama, visitors learn about marae and Maori protocol, culture and enjoy the experiences of food gathering, hangi or a marae stay.

For an authentic dining experience, visitors should time their Hawke’s Bay journey to coincide with the monthly community dinner at the Kaiuku Marae at Mahia. The whole evening is about spontaneity, informality, and mixing and mingling with the locals.

Midway between Hastings and Napier is the Nga Tukemata o Kahungunu Waka. This 4 tonne, 18m long carved canoe takes visitors paddling on the Clive River for a true waka experience and is the only carved canoe that allows women and children to be taken onto the water. It is the foundation attraction for a waka interpretive centre, now in its planning stages.

Hawke’s Bay is also home base for the internationally successful Kahurangi Dance Theatre. This group of entertainers performs at more than 60 overseas festivals and public events each year and visits around 130 schools annually. Members of Kahurangi Dance Theatre are currently touring India for four weeks before travelling to Canada for a series of performances. For New Zealanders, the best opportunity to see these wonderful dancers and entertainers in action is to visit Hawke’s Bay during Matariki, the Maori New Year, in June.