Waitomo / One part of the fabled “King Country”or Te Rohe Potae –a name given when the Maori King Tawhiao sought refuge in the region’s rugged bush after the Maori land wars of the 1860’s. The land was closed to white settlers for decades. Investigate the Millennium Pavilion that’s located in the main street of Te Kuiti. Opened in December 1999 this multicultural pavilion celebrates our people, our heritage and our history. Some of the most talented and exciting artists and craftspeople live and work in the Waitomo district today, follow the Creative Waitomo Arts Trail and experience what the district has to offer. Products available in Waitomo: Waitomo Glowworm, Ruakuri Cave, Spellbound Glowworm, St Benedict’s Caverns, Lost World.
Rotorua / The heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture. Enveloping warmth, a proud spirit, a deep sense of history and a quick humour - you’ll find all these qualities in your experiences with Maori culture. For more than 160 years the Arawa people of Rotorua have been guiding visitors through the area’s natural thermal wonders they have called home for more than 600 years. Their welcoming tradition has been passed on down from generation to generation and you’ll find it expressed in Rotorua with true warmth and energy. Products available in Rotorua: The Rotorua Museum of Ar and History, Te Puia, Tamaki Maori Village, Experience, Mitai, Haka World.
Lake Taupo / A proud history and heritage built around Tangata Whenua (people of the land). The earliest traditions and legends, contemporary Maori experiences and the iconic Kapa Haka product all combine to give Lake Taupo the edge when it comes to cultural tourism. Products available in Lake Taupo: Wairakei Terraces, pureOrawalks, Orakei Korako, The Kai Waho Experience, Chris Jolly Outdoors, Taupo’s Floatplane, Tongariro Expeditions.
Ruapehu / A unique history and heritage drawn from its central location in the North Island of New Zealand. From early Maori to European settlement in and around the Volcanic Plateau and the Whanganui River, the region has figured prominently throughout New Zealand’s history. Explore this fascinating region and learn about its rich Maori and European heritage and its river and rail history. Products available in the Ruapehu region, National Army Museum.
Hawke’s Bay / Hawke’s Bay is proud of its cultural heritage and continues to form a strong link between the past and the present. From the many Maori legends and myths through to the plantings of the first grapes in the area by French Missionaries. Or the stunning Art Deco and Spanish Mission heritage created after the devastating 1931 earthquake through to today’s rich vibrant arts community. This is an area steeped in both Maori and European history. Products available in Hawke’s Bay: Classic Sheepskins, Dinosaur Discovery at The National Aquarium of New Zealand, The Art Deco Trust, The Silky Oak Chocolate Factory, Waimarama Maori Tours at Hakakino
Bay of Plenty / The coastal Bay of Plenty is steeped in history and culture, as it was the landing place of three of the seven waka that formed the original migration of Maori to New Zealand. The region’s strong culture and history, and sacred places like Mauao (Mount Maunganui) and The Elms Mission House, also greatly influence artwork by the local art community. Products available in The Bay of Plenty: Kiwi360.
The Coromandel / There is a rich and colourful array of art within the Coromandel region, with delightful characters to match. The history of the region is evident in many towns as many relics still stand today. Discover the colonial architecture, the Kauri logging trails, the paths of the early discoverers and the gold mines. Products available in The Coromandel: The Lost Spring Thermal Pools & Day Spa.
