New Zealand Tourism Online

Maori Culture in Christchurch, New Zealand

Ko Tane Introduction

Come and discover Tane Mahuta the Maori God of the Forest and discover a people who live in harmony with nature. Find out how our Maori culture in Christchurch has grown.

Ko Tane is a living example of Maori traditions in Christchurch, located at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

Enjoy an authentic Maori culture in Christchurch, where you’ll be greeted with a traditional powhiri greeting, treated to a cultural performance and show, and where you’ll be able to explore our living village and wildlife reserve. You can indulge yourself with the “A Taste of New Zealand” dinner.

Maori Culture in Christchurch

You will be enchanted by the South Island’s premier experience of Maori culture in Christchurch within its natural surrounding, and delighted by the extensive display of native, birds, animals and fish that make up New Zealand’s Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

The Ko Tane experience consists of:

• Powhiri Maori welcome
• Maori cultural performance
• Guided tour of our interactive Maori village
• Wildlife night tour
• “A Taste of New Zealand” dinner

Powhiri welcome – Be welcomed onto our pa, our village, with a powerful challenge by our fearsome warrior. Enter onto the pa site with a haka powhiri of welcome. Hear the Maori chief welcome you in our native language.

Cultural performance and entertainment – Relax and enjoy an informative interactive and joy-filled evening as our Maori people entertain you with unforgettable traditional dancing. Learn the haka or poi dance. Feel the emotions of our waiata aroha, or love songs.

Maori village and nature tour – Learn and see how the Maori people existed before the arrival of European technology. See and learn the ancient arts of the Maori hunter. Come face to face with some of the oldest animals and reptiles on the planet and the importance that they had on an ancient people.

A Taste of New Zealand cuisine – Try our “Taste of New Zealand” dinner in Willowbank’s award winning Restaurant.

Shows and tours operate daily, shows commence at 5.25 pm and 6.25 pm. Special conditions apply for the 7.30 pm show. Bookings are essential as numbers and space are limited.

Dress is casual, but as this is an outdoor evening attraction, please wear something warm.

For further information about our Maori traditions in Christchurch, please contact us or visit our Maori culture in Christchurch Web site.

Location of our Maori Culture in Christchurch

Ko Tane is situated at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, 60 Hussey Road, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve was born of a deep love and respect for animals. Let us introduce you to New Zealand’s fascinating and varied wildlife. Choose from daytime or evening experiences—either way, you’re in for an exciting time.

For further information about our Maori traditions in Christchurch, please contact us or visit our Maori culture in Christchurch Web site.

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