Culture & Traditions

New Zealand’s Ancient Heritage and Māori Legends

From the tip of the North Island to the lower half of the South, Māori culture is a living, breathing part of New Zealand life that goes back nearly a millennium. 

There are many exciting ways to experience it on a New Zealand vacation, from going on a traditional waka (canoe) excursion along the country’s waterways (during which you’ll learn about taniwha, large supernatural beings that live underwater or in dark caves) or visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a significant historical site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, marking the beginning of the bicultural nation of New Zealand. 

At Rotorua, make sure to take in Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village (a living Maori settlement where visitors can learn about traditional life, see geothermal features, and enjoy cultural performances) or Te Puia (a geothermal park and Māori cultural centre featuring the Pohutu Geyser and Maori arts and crafts).

Whichever Māori experience you choose, you are sure to look at the world in a whole new way. “The Māori cultural experiences and performances offered throughout the North and South Islands are well worth seeking out,” says Destination Specialist Mary Georgiou. “If the opportunity presents itself, definitely take part in a hāngī,” a traditional Māori feast featuring food cooked with heated rocks buried in a pit oven called an umu.‍ 

Religious Traditions and Holidays in New Zealand

While New Zealand has no official religion and the majority of Kiwis identify as non-religious, Christianity is one of the most popular faiths, with approximately a third of the population identifying as Christians. 

Because New Zealand is located in the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas takes place during the country’s summer, meaning that it’s often celebrated by the beach.

The country’s other main public holidays include Waitangi Day (celebrated on February 6, it’s New Zealand's national day, commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the country’s founding document) and ANZAC Day (a day of remembrance for those who served in the country’s armed forces, marked every April 25).

Marataki, meanwhile, is a holiday celebrating the Māori New Year, usually observed on a Friday in June.
 

New Zealand Social Etiquette and Daily Life

Kiwis are known for being friendly, laid-back, and approachable people who place great value on egalitarianism and mutual respect. 

Humility and humour are also common traits: Most Kiwis don’t take themselves or others too seriously, utilizing ironic and self-deprecating humour to emphasize fairness and equality. 

Rugby Union is a way of life in New Zealand. The national team, the All Blacks, are revered around the country. To understand just how much the sport is ingrained in New Zealand culture, try the All Blacks experience in Auckland. 

While a lot of social settings are quite informal, it’s important to express politeness by saying please and thank you on your New Zealand vacation. Chats over a flat white, relaxed conversations at cultural events, taking in a rugby match, or engaging in any number of outdoor pursuits are among the best ways to get to know New Zealanders as well as to experience Kiwi hospitality. 

Festivals and Celebrations in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a diverse range of festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Among them are Matariki, a two-week mid-winter celebration marking the Māori New Year with dawn ceremonies, night markets, light shows, and traditional kapa haka performances. Also popular is Auckland’s Pasifika Festival, a large-scale celebration showcasing the vibrant cultures of the Pacific Islands through music, dance, food, and crafts. Another great experiencel is the Art Deco Festival in Napier

If you’re a foodie, the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is New Zealand's longest-running wine and food event, showcasing Marlborough's world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc and other wines, alongside culinary creations from top chefs and producers.

Also on the South Island, the Queenstown Winter Festival, held every July, offers a diverse range of activities, from live music and fireworks over Lake Wakatipu to traditional winter pursuits such as dog sledding, ice hockey, ice carving, and ice skating. 

Explore New Zealand Culture With Goway

The richness of New Zealand culture, from Māori cultural experiences to a diverse food and wine scene, is inexhaustible and a great entry point for exploring the country. From traditional carving workshops to Indigenous storytelling tours, the experiences we can arrange for you are guaranteed to foster connection and delight. Let us design your immersive New Zealand vacation today.
 

FAQ

Why is Māori culture important to New Zealand?

The Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, and their culture is the foundation upon which the nation is built. Today it shapes New Zealand's national identity through language, arts, customs, and a strong connection to the land.

Where can I see Māori culture in New Zealand?

To experience Māori culture in New Zealand, you can visit places like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands, the city of Rotorua, and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington. Rotorua is particularly known for its cultural experiences, including living Maori villages like Whakarewarewa. You can also explore Maori history and art at Te Ahurei Māori Tourism in Waikato.

What is the significance of the haka in New Zealand culture?

The haka, a traditional Māori dance, is deeply significant in New Zealand culture, embodying cultural pride, strength, and unity. It’s not just a war dance, but a powerful expression used for welcoming guests, celebrating achievements, and even honouring the deceased. 

How have immigration and migration shaped society and culture in New Zealand?

Immigration and migration have profoundly shaped New Zealand's society and culture, transforming it from a predominantly British settler colony to a diverse nation with a strong multicultural identity. Initially, immigration primarily involved British and Irish settlers, leading to the marginalization of the Indigenous Māori population. In recent decades, however, the country has welcomed a more diverse group of newcomers, with a growing proportion of migrants arriving from Asia and other parts of the world. 

How does geography impact culture in New Zealand?

New Zealand's unique geography has profoundly influenced its culture, shaping the cultural identities of both the indigenous Māori people and European settlers. The isolation of the islands, the diverse landscape, and the abundance of natural resources have all contributed to distinct cultural expressions and societal development. 

What is the tipping culture in New Zealand?

Tipping is neither customary nor expected in New Zealand, where service providers are typically paid a reasonable wage and therefore don’t rely on gratuities for their income. But while tipping isn't mandatory, it is becoming more common, especially among tourists, and is appreciated for exceptional service.