IMAGE:
TOURIS
M
NEW
ZEALA
ND
NE W Z E AL A N D
Stars of
the south
NEW ZEALAND IS WELCOMING BACK
TRAVELLERS WITH NEW EXPERIENCES
EMBRACING MĀORI CULTURE
In winter, the reappearance of the Matariki constellation
in the night sky heralds the beginning of the Māori New
Year, which is a public holiday for the first time this year.
From 21 June to 16 July, the country comes alive with feasts
showcasing Indigenous cuisine, as well as art exhibitions,
night markets and street parties. Celebrate among the
country’s oldest Māori settlements in the Bay of Islands,
mix stargazing with feasting at Mount Cook, or be dazzled
by the light show in Christchurch. matarikifestival.org.nz
There’s even the chance to trace the Maori story
right back to its roots. It’s been nearly 1,0 00 years since
Polynesian explorer Kupe settled at Hokianga, an area
north of Auckland, an arrival that marked the beginning
of the Māori people on these newly found lands. His
voyage has now been brought to life by his descendants at
Manea Footprints of Kupe, a new immersive storytelling
experience weaving together art, artefacts, film and dance
against the backdrop of Hokianga’s stunning harbour.
Tickets from NZ$ 65 (£34). maneafootprints.co.nz
New Zealand’s natural treasures are also taking centre
stage. For the first time, Te Puia near Rotorua on the North
Island invites visitors to explore the park’s geothermic,
volcanic scenery by night, where you’ll join a Māori guide
to discover the legends inspired by the landscape and keep
an eye out for nocturnal kiwis hiding in the bush. Booking
essential. Tours from NZ$50 (£26). tepuia.com
Alternatively, jump in a four-wheel-drive vehicle with
a guide from the local Ngāti Porou tribe and drive to the
summit of sacred Maunga Hikurangi, where nine carved
pillars depict the legendary deeds of the deity, Māui. As
the sun rises, take part in a traditional dawn karakia
(Māori blessing) and plant seedlings as part of a native
tree regeneration programme. Tours from NZ$260 (£135).
maungahikurangi.com JUSTIN MENEGUZZI
D A T ES F O R TH E D I A RY
19-20 AUGUST
BEERVANA
Getting underway in the capital,
Wellington, this summer is New
Zealand’s biggest beer festival.
Expect a two-day celebration of all
things ale, with themed bars, silent
discos, beer cocktails and plenty of
good food. beervana.co.nz
29 SEPTEMBER- 16 OCTOBER
WORLD OF WEARABLEART
Fashionistas will be heading to
Wellington for an extravaganza of
fashion and theatre this September,
as the World of WearableArt
pairs cutting-edge designs with
dance and aerial performances.
worldofwearableart.com
8 OCTOBER-1 2 NOVEMBER
RUGBY WORLD CUP
The rugby world’s eyes will be on
New Zealand later this year, with
the women’s Rugby World Cup
kicking off in October. Matches will
be held in Auckland and Whangarei,
both on the North Island.
rugbyworldcup.com
20 JULY-20 AUGUST 2023
FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
Jointly hosted by Australia
and New Zealand, next year’s
sporting spectacle will see
32 nations compete. Qualifiers
are still underway, with ticketing
information released in
due course. fifa.com
Manea Footprints of Kupe, an
interactive experience tracing
Māori heritage in New Zealand
JUNE 2022 17
SMART TRAVELLER
