New Zealand in May is the month that autumn’s golden hues begin to fade and the cool air of an early winter breeze makes everything refreshing. It’s the perfect climate to explore the rich cultural roots of New Zealand and imagine what it was like for the country’s traditional Māori owners.
Aotearoa’s Origins
The Māori culture runs through Aotearoa (New Zealand) like blood through a network of veins and is an integral – and unmissable – part of the nation’s identity. The month of May in New Zealand has the ideal climate to engage with the backbone heritage that is the Māori culture, with a highly educational guided cultural tour.
These tours give you a window seat into the traditions, stories and daily lives of the Māori people, giving you a deeper and authentic connection to the land and its first known inhabitants.
In the North Island, Rotorua is frequently considered the cultural heart of the Māori people in New Zealand. This area is where you can visit the traditional Māori villages and experience the power of the traditional war dance, the Haka.
Once you’ve taken in the excitement of that event, enjoy a Hāngī feast, where food is cooked underground using heated stones – a practice that has been passed down through Māori ancestral lineage. May in New Zealand with its fresh, cool air, will enhance the warmth of the communal dining experience, making it even more memorable.
Besides Rotorua, there are many cultural tours across New Zealand in May. In the Bay of Islands, you can visit historical sites like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This site teaches you about the moments that shaped New Zealand’s history and the relationship between the Māori people and the European settlers.
Further south, you’ll find the stunning city of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, which has all the large city attractions like museums, galleries, parks and gardens. The cultural national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, houses a range of exhibits that explore the natural environment, Māori culture and colonial history.
A Journey Through Time
New Zealand in May is not just about exploring and visiting the scenic locations – it’s also about connecting with the people and stories that make this country so unique. If you explore New Zealand’s cultural heritage, you’ll leave with a new perspective and love for this country that will last a lifetime. Visit our Things To Do in New Zealand page for more.
