Kia Ora, Welcome

THE WELCOME
Welcome to Ko Tane Living Maori Village at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve , Christchurch, where maori culture and conservation meet to give a unique glimpse into the way of life of the South Island Ngai Tahu Maori people before the arrival of the Europeans.

Experience the thrill of the wero, the traditional challenge to visitors, as you are brought into the sacred precinct of Tane, Maori God of the Forests. Hear the haunting traditional call, the Karanga, performed by a wahine (woman) as the powhiri (ritual of arrival) begins, allowing you to enter our hidden enclave.

THE MYSTERY
Listen to a tane (male) explain the customs of the Ngai Tahu tribe as you visit the Living Village and witness an ancient way of life where Maori struggled to survive in the harsh conditions of the most southerly of the Polynesian Pacific Islands.

Learn about the coming of the Pakeha (fair-skinned ones), the changes Maori were forced to make from their traditional way of life and how the culture has grown and adapted as a result.

THE HAKA
Join in the laughter as you take part in a performance of the haka (men) or the poi dance (women), and be entertained by the songs and games performed by our kapa haka (Maori cultural performance)  group..

HANGI DINNER
Dine and enjoy our four course hangi cooked dinner (earth oven) Experiencing a hangi is another great way to interact with our culture and Ko Tane perrformers, dine with family and new found friends. Our hangi includes a variety, of New Zealand seafood’s, meats, poultry, native and contemporary vegetables, salads and desserts, tea and coffee, we also have a licence bar on site with  a large variety of local wines and beers. Call us and book for an evening of traditional entertainment and local dining.

HOW TO FIND US?
Our experience is located within Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, 60 HUSSEY ROAD CHRISTCHURCH where you can take a guided New Zealand nature tour and get up close and personal with our  kiwi's, before your evening with the Ko Tane Maori Expoerience, also experience our kea and other native species housed in sensitively purpose-built environments, our wildlife tours are the best wildlife tours you will ever experience while visiting New Zealand dont miss this once in a life time oppertunity to see our national icons...

DONT MISS OUT BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL. MA TE WA, SEE YOU SOON !!!