Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The Māori Whakataū is a welcome to New Zealand by the indigenous culture of NZ. The Whakataū embraces key aspects of welcoming manuhiri/visitors to New Zealand and making sure you get an authentic connection to the people of this wonderful land and more specifically here in Wanaka and Queenstown. The scenery is one small part of what makes this country so great, to truely connect with any country you must also connect with the people that make the country what it is. Welcome to the world of WanaHaka® in Wanaka and Queenstown.
There is a minimum of 4 required per Whakataū if minimum numbers are not met you will be offered another day or time or complete refund.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
What To Expect
Lake Wanaka
In Māori culture we hold two important aspects dear to us. the first being Manaakitanga (Hospitality) and Kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land) .At WanaHaka® we want you to connect with these 2 important cultural elements. This Pōwhiri can be done in either Queenstown or Wanaka so please do email first as to your preferred location if required. You will be greeted by a Wero/Challenge with a Māori Warrior and Taiaha, from here we move through the key elements of the pōwhiri/welcome where we may start as strangers but by the end we end up as whanaua/family. A truely inspiring cultural experience that combines both the people and the land of Wanaka and Queenstown.
Options
Afternoon Māori Whakataū
What a way to get your afternoon finished before dinner with a Māori Welcome to the wonderful world of Wanaka.
Morning Māori Welcome
See the Central Otago land first travelled by the Māori people and learn about the customs and traditions that still thrive
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Authentic Māori Bone Carving of your experience
WanaHaka Tea Towel Souvenir
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
79 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A culturally meaningful experience to welcome a group on their incentive trip
sarahvZ2890FV,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We engaged a Māori Whakatau welcome for our incentive trip and it was outstanding. Joe created an immediate sense of warmth and connection, making everyone feel genuinely welcomed. The highlight was the educational element, which added depth and gave our group a more meaningful understanding of the culture and significance behind the Haka. A truly memorable and impactful experience, highly recommended.
MUST DO!!!
Adventure444820,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a life giving experience and a MUST if you are in Wanaka or the southern island of New Zealand. Now I know much more about Wanaka and the culture on New Zealand. I am now a part of the culture and history of Wanaka because of this experience with Joe. Thank you again Joe for the wonderful welcome and experience!
Must do! Joe is amazing!! You won’t regret this awesome experience.
U9599XTscottd,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joe was absolutely amazing. He is incredibly talented, knowledgeable, and personable, and he truly made everyone feel welcome, valued, and empowered throughout the experience. You can tell he genuinely cares about what he does and about the people he shares his culture with. It’s honestly hard to put into words how special this experience was. Joe has a gift for teaching in a way that is engaging, meaningful, and memorable. We left not only having learned something new, but also feeling inspired and grateful. It’s pretty incredible that he takes the time to do this work and share his knowledge and culture so generously. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting the area. It was a highlight of our trip.
Highly recommend
angelaaS583JA,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This made my trip. I recommend that everyone who visits Queenstown add this experience to your itinerary. Joe is a wonderful teacher. His enthusiasm, knowledge and charisma really helps to bring the Māori culture to you. People of all ages will love him.
The best 1 man experience you didnt know you needed 🙏🏽 Ka pai brother
Departure08500413795,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joe was the absolute full experience for this american group we had here in Queenstown for a retreat. Not only did he give us 3 different Haka's, we got a full breakdown of the language and meaning behind the Haka, with a lesson in Te Reo Maori in the fun kiwi kinda way. Thank you again my brother, definitely worth the experience we all had together with him. A must DO experience.
Learning is fun!
stacybJ6131NF,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joe came and presented to my group and educated us about his culture. Such a wonderful experience 😊
Amazing experience
Patrick81277,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Joe is an amazing human and cultural ambassador. We hired him to do some authentic Māori welcome ceremonies. It was one of the most special experiences of our trip. I highly recommend him.
Can't miss experience
carolinehQ5327XC,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic experience along the lake with Joe. There were only four of us and it was a very intimate experience. He was passionate, knowledgable and friendly. We all learned so much. I highly recommend for anyone visiting this part of NZ. The personal stories he shared about his life and the Māori people made us feel connected to the beautiful surroundings and made our trip feel complete!
Special Night for Our Family
billhN5741LL,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow! Our family was blessed last night by having Joe perform and educate us on the Māori culture and history. His passion and knowledge were exceptional plus he has a wonderful sense of humor. A special night from a special man
The best Maori welcome ever!
Simon B,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Each year we bring several groups of cyclists to New Zealand, and when we are in Wanaka, we love taking the opportunity to treat them to this traditional Maori Welcome. In fact, our cyclists often tell us, that of their entire 12 day stay in New Zealand, that this was one of the absolute highlights of their trip.
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Operated by WanaHaka Wine Tours Maori Culture