Northland Maori Culture

Want to see the place where New Zealand's human history began? Explore fascinating Māori culture. Get yourself up to Northland on the North Island.

Northland sits at the northernmost tip of New Zealand's North Island. The number of times the word 'north' appeared in that sentence should tip you off about how easy it is to navigate your way here; just follow the map upwards, basically.

Once you get to Northland, you'll be in a region where Māori settlers first arrived more than a thousand years ago. Since then, so much has changed, but the Māori past and present can still be experienced through a range of amazing cultural attractions that are among the most rewarding things to do in Northland.

So where to go first? Take a look at our overview of Māori culture in the area below and start putting together your itinerary. Trip planning is fun when your destination is this packed with promise.

Maori History

  • When you stand on the coastline, remember that this is the sight the first people to arrive here saw when they arrived from far across the seas in a waka (canoe).
  • Learn the name Kupe; it's important to much more than just local history! He was the leader of those first adventurers, and many Māoris today are descended from him.
  • Northland is the site of some of the most ancient remains of a Māori kāinga (settlement) anywhere in the country.

Maori Culture Today

  • Today, Northland's Māori culture exists alongside threads of Scottish, Croatian and English influence, among others.
  • Māoris are still a prominent community in Northland. Their dancient cultural and spiritual traditions are still practised here.
  • Want to learn how Māoris prepare food in a hāngī (earth oven)? Discover why kauri trees are so significant; Northland's Māori community can show you.

Maori Cultural Attractions

  • A visit to Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where you can learn all about New Zealand's story and the treaty between Māoris and Europeans, is a must-do.
  • Let a Māori guide lead you into beautiful Waipoua Forest to meet Tāne Mahuta, a 2,000-year-old kauri tree that's the largest in the country.
  • Head out on an immersive multi-day tour where you can really dive into Māori culture. You might get to learn to navigate the Māori way, paddle a waka and more.

Created in partnership with Northland RDO