Kia Ora, 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.

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.

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.

Our village is set in the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, one of Christchurch's leading attractions, where you can take a guided New Zealand nature tour and get close to kiwi, kea and other native species housed in sensitively purpose-built environments.

Dine with us in the award-winning Willowbank Restaurant, where you can eat from our delicious Taste New Zealand menu.