Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAORI NZ: WAIKATO & COROMANDEL PENINSULA
The Waikato and King Country region remains one of the strongest pockets of Maori influence in NZ. This is the
heartland of the Tainui tribes, descended from those who disembarked from the
Tainui waka
(canoe) in Kawhia in
the 14th century. Split into four main tribal divisions (Waikato, Hauraki, Ngati Maniapoto and Ngati Raukawa),
Tainui are inextricably linked with the Kingitanga (King Movement), which has its base in Ngaruawahia.
The best opportunities to interact with Maori culture are the Kawhia Kai Festival (
Click here
), and Ngaru-
awahia's Regatta Day and Koroneihana celebrations (
Click here
). Interesting
taonga
(treasures) are displayed at
museums in Hamilton and Te Awamutu.
Reminders of the Waikato Land War can be found at Rangiriri, Rangiaowhia and Orakau. See
www.waikatowar.co.nz
to download maps, audio files and and a smartphone app covering various locations of
the fighting from 1863 to 1864.
Dozens of
marae
(meeting-house) complexes are dotted around the countryside - including at Awakino, and at
Kawhia, where the
Tainui waka
is buried. You won't be able to visit these without permission but you can get de-
cent views from the gates. Some regional tours include an element of Maori culture, including Ruakuri Cave
(
Click here
)
and Kawhia Harbour Cruises (
Click here
).
Although it has a long and rich Maori history, the nearby Coromandel Peninsula doesn't offer many opportunit-
ies to engage with the culture. Historic
pa
(fortified village) sites are dotted around, with the most accessible be-
ing Paaku (
Click here
)
. There are others at Opito Beach, Hahei and Hot Water Beach.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Hamilton
POP 206,400
Landlocked cities in an island nation are never going to have the glamorous appeal of
their coastal cousins. Rotorua compensates with boiling mud and Taupo has its lake, but
Hamilton, despite the majestic Waikato River, is more prosaic.
However, the city definitely has appeal. The main street has vibrant bars around Hood
St and Victoria St, and excellent restaurants and cafes mean you're guaranteed to eat
really well in the city after visiting highlights like the Hamilton Gardens.
Oddly, the great grey-green greasy Waikato River rolls right through town, but the
city's layout largely ignores its presence: unless you're driving across a bridge you'll
hardly know it's there.
