Become Enchanted by Maori Culture New Zealand

So, you wanted to find out about “Moari culture New Zealand”? This article is here to help. Actually, “Moari” is a misspelling– but we wouldn’t want you to miss out on fascinating facts and an amazing experience just because you switched two letters by mistake. New Zealand’s original natives are called the Maori, and about 403,000 of them inhabit New Zealand today. They have lived on the NZ islands for over eight centuries after migrating there in mass around 1200 A.D. Their cultural roots run deep, and they have much to share.

The Maori were originally a seafaring people from the east Polynesian islands, who discovered New Zealand during extensive voyages of exploration and colonization. They had a rich oral tradition by which they passed down their history and legends throughout the centuries up to this day. Visitors to New Zealand will be delighted by eloquent, enchanting Maori storytellers who can tell tales unlike any you’ve heard before.

Maori legends still tell of Hawaiiki, the Maoris’ first homeland, which they inhabited before settling in New Zealand. Historians are not yet sure where Hawaiiki was located, but the Maori tradition still maintains an impressive recollection of it. Maori stories also recount with impressive accuracy the spots where the first canoes of Maori settlers landed on New Zealand’s coast. They have kept a detailed and much treasured oral record of their ancestors and genealogy as well.

The Maori oral tradition also has a variety of fairy tales and myths to share. For instance, there is a fascinating story about the creation of the world, which took place when the Sky Father and the Earth Mother were separated by the will of their children. Another story tells of how the North Island of New Zealand was fished up from the bottom of the ocean.

Today, Maori culture is extremely widespread in New Zealand. About twelve percent of the population of New Zealand is either Maori or descended from the Maori. New Zealand has a proud record of integrating the Maori together with the population of European descent and allowing everybody the same legal privileges while simultaneously cultivating Maori customs such as storytelling, woodcarving, unique New Zealand food and drink, and elaborate dances and songs.

Both North Island and South Island abound with guided tours that expose travelers to the beauties of Maori culture. New Zealand commemorates this living culture so often that you can’t miss it; so many towns, villages, and geographical features are well-known in New Zealand by their Maori names. In recent years, there has even been a widespread movement toward incorporating Maori elements in New Zealand’s popular culture– its most recent music, films, art, and theatrical performances.

When it comes to experiencing firsthand the Maori culture New Zealand doesn’t disappoint. Reserve your New Zealand vacation to discover this unique blend of the ancient and the modern.