Marae Stay

For groups of 10 people or more, enjoy a traditional welcome on to our marae. Experience the powhiri (welcome ceremony). The karanga (call of welcome) will cut through the air, as the host tribe brings you safely on to the sacred grounds. Haka powhiri (welcome haka) and whaikorero (speeches of welcome) delivered by our kaumatua (elders) will ensue, followed by waiata (songs of support for the speeches given). The ceremony ends with the hongi (pressing of noses) and sharing the breath of life to become one.

Enjoy a tour through the ancestral meeting house, one of New Zealand’s elite carved meeting houses, before you share a meal (morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea) with the host tribe. Kai (food) is an integral part of the ceremony, and ensures noa (spiritual balance) – as the tapu (sacredness) is lifted, and you become one with the people of Ngati Manawa.

Marae Visits or Overnight Marae Stay are arranged upon enquiry. Interactive education programmes are created/tailored on a case by case basis.

Please note: This is a traditional, living, ancestral marae. Tangihanga (funerals) and special tribal events/meetings will take precedence over commercial pre-bookings.