Maori Cultural Experience
Join a local Te Roroa Maori guide on a journey and learn about their heritage
At the Waipoua Forest Visitor’s Centre, the Te Roroa Maori guide Jane Matthews is wonderful at sharing her special heritage with guests. Families with children can spend some special time with her learning traditional Maori games or singing a Maori song (waiata), or perhaps learning how to weave a flax flower or use the traditional poi poi balls.
Jane can also take you on a 1.5 hour guided walk that starts with an activity learning about native plants and how they were traditionally used by Maori and then during the course of the walk she talks about the environment and the history of the Waipoua Forest together with the life cycles and habits of the native birds.
The cost is $20 per adult & $10 per child or $55 for a family (2 adults & 2 children)
Truly an educational and very special experience not to be missed.
Ever wanted to hear the chorus of Native Kiwi
birds calling ?
Visitors to Waipoua Lodge in May and June can take part in a kiwi monitoring scheme and spend time with Jane who knows a lot about the kiwi. Monitoring kiwi calls is one way that kiwi are being safeguarded and is aimed at identifying the location and numbers of kiwi at a given point in time. Results are then compared from year to year. Sessions last for up to two hours so a good set of ears for listening is essential! At the end of the session participants are given a certificate for helping to save the kiwi.
