• THE REGION

    About Hokianga

Rich in Māori history and culture, the Hokianga is a phenomenal region

Discover the very beginnings of Aotearoa in the Hokianga

From the ancient Waipoua Forest to the shores where Kupe first landed, Journey into a special part of New Zealand discovered over 1,000 years ago. A 3 hour drive north of Auckland and 1 hour from the Bay of Islands, the Hokianga is the perfect getaway for all. 

The Hokianga is made up of small settlements along the harbour shore. Coming into the region from the south you’ll drive through ancient Waipoua Forest, home of the worlds largest Kauri tree, Tāne Mahuta. Immediately after exiting the forest you’ll witness the draw dropping view of the beautiful Hokianga Harbour. With magnificent sand dunes and the twin settlements of Omapere and Opononi, the region is rich in history.

Just a 5 minute drive you’ll find Koutu and Kauwhare points on the south shore of the Hokianga Harbour. The Koutu Boulders are of the Hokianga’s better kept secrets.

New Zealand’s third oldest European settlement is Rawene. In Rawene you’ll find a ferry that provides a connection to the other side of the harbour and the settlement of Kohukohu.

Te Hokianga-Nui-A-Kupe

According to Ngāpuhi tribal traditions, Kupe, was the first person to discover Te Ika A Maui “The Fish Of Maui”. The name Aotearoa itself is said to originate from the land’s first sighting by the great voyager’s wife. “He Ao, he Ao, he Aotea, he Aotearoa!” On his arrival, Kupe named this harbour, Te Puna i te Ao Marama, and it was from the ceremonial ritual in cementing his returning to Hawaiki, his homeland from Te Puna i te Ao Marama, that Te Hokianga Nui A Kupe receives its name. During the end of the ritual, Kupe voiced his final words “Hei konei raa e Te Puna i te Ao Marama, ka hoki nei ahau, e kore ano ahau e hoki anga nui mai” “Farewell, The Spring of the World of Light, for I now return (home) from whence I will never return again”. The name Te Hokianga nui a Kupe was born from Kupe immortalised words and deeds. And today the name, Hokianga is respectfully used.

Generations later, descendants of Kupe traced his legendary voyage from Hawaiki to reside on the shores of the Hokianga. The traditions and stories of Kupe live on today in the expressions of the many cultural traditions, practices and rituals that are still observed by his descendants.

“Manea Footprints of Kupe – our enduring ancestral footprint: where we stand, from where we move forward together.”

John Klaracich
Founding Chair, Te Hua o Te Kawariki Trust

#MANEAFOOTPRINTSOFKUPE

Now that Puanga and Matariki are well and truly in the night sky, our seasons are beginning to change - so too are a series of up and comming workshops. 1st we have a grand exhibition opening this Wednesday - featuring the stunning 9 muka kakahu woven by our local artist Tira - in addition she will run further workshops on caring for our harakeke and whariki weaving. Please come down - bring out our koroua and kuia to share this wonderful day with - please reserve a plate by contacting us. Looking forward to celebrating with you all
Poi making complete 😎
Embracing cultural exchange, we delight in introducing our vibrant kura to international guests, hoping to ignite their wanderlust and inspire them to explore new horizons. 🌍✨ #CulturalEncounters #WorldlyInspiration #GlobalConnections
If you have any questions or require any assistance then we are here to help. Manea – Footprints of Kupe 41 Hokianga Harbour Drive Opononi, New Zealand 0473 You can also email us at bookings@maneafootprints.co.nz or send us a DM. #maneafootprintsofkupe #culture #history #travel #heritage #newzealand
See what other travellers are saying about their Manea – Footprints of Kupe experience. Find your own spiritual realm on a journey through Kupe and the culture of our people. Book now!
The Hokianga, New Zealand's most Māori region, is home to legends and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. It's a place where history is alive and breathtakingly beautiful. #maneafootprintsofkupe #culture #history #travel #heritage #newzealand
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