The first Maori settlers in New Zealand arrived aboard a number of great canoes from the island called Hawaiki, from French Polynesia about 1000 years ago. 

• Maori nationality did not exist before the arrival of Europeans; they referred to themselves by tribal affiliations.
• Maori developed a strong social structure based around tribal and family association and have their own mythology and religion.
• Maori have always had a deep attachment to the land; culture and traditions, which have and still are creating the unique nature of New Zealand.
• Many Maori treasure their language, art and culture, and there is a cultural revival.
• The warrior spirit gained the Maori a fearsome reputation and today is one of the reasons why they have been prominent in almost every sport played in NZ.
• The haka, a traditional challenge performed before battle is now often preformed before sporting games.
• The Maori culture retains a prominent role in New Zealand and since 1987; Maori was made an official language alongside English.
• The traditional meeting house of the Maori, the Marae, still plays an important role in social, political and ceremonial activities.
• Tangata whenua (people of the land) customs and traditions are of interest to visitors.  Through tangata whenua support for tourism, customs will be observed but not disrupted.