MARAMA MAI
Experience the Longest Place Name
Marama Mai – Experience the Longest Place Name
Marama Mai is an opportunity for visitors to connect with the people who whakapapa to this area Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu. Join us for a special korero with our kaumatua, who will share the stories passed down for generations about our tīpuna Tamatea and the wāhi tapu site locals call Te Taumata.
What to Expect:
- Meet at the Sign: Begin your journey at the iconic longest place name sign, where you can capture a group photo – a perfect souvenir of your visit.
- Gather at the Woolshed: After the photo, we will head to the Woolshed, a communal space for all visitors.
- Storytelling & Morning Tea: Settle in as our kaumatua share the legends and significance of Te Taumata, followed by morning tea session (1 hour).
This is a unique cultural experience, offering insight into the history, whakapapa, and site of this place known as Te Taumata. We welcome you to listen, learn, and connect with the stories of our land and people.
VIDEO JOURNEY
Follow Jackson to Te Taumata
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Te Haerenga – A Self-Guided Walk to Te Taumata
Te Haerenga, a 5km self-guided walk leading to Te Taumata, a wahi tapu site of cultural and historical significance. This journey takes approximately 1.5 hours from the carpark, offering a safe space to reflect, relax and or contemplate.
Important Information:
- Booking Required: Please ensure you book online before making the trip.
- Plan Ahead: Check the weather forecast, dress appropriately, and bring sufficient water.
- Facilities: Secure parking is available by the woolshed. The woolshed serves as a communal space for visitors.
- Opening Hours: The carpark gate opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 6:30 PM, operating 7 days a week.
Nau mai, haere mai...
FUTURE PLANS
Our vision for the future
Future Plans for The Longest Place Name
We are excited to share our vision for the future, expanding our offerings to create a deeper cultural and environmental connection for all who visit. Our upcoming projects will honor our whenua, history, and people, providing immersive experiences that reflect the richness of our heritage.
Upcoming Experiences:
🌿 Te Rau – Bush Walk
Explore our beautiful ngahere, home to a diverse range of native species unique to Aotearoa. A chance to walk among the towering trees, listen to the birdsong, and reconnect with nature.
🚐 Te Arataki – Guided Tour
Be transported to Te Taumata, our wāhi tapu site, where our guides will share the history, traditions, and stories that have shaped our people and land.
🌌 Te Maramataka – A Space to Study the Stars, Self, and Environment
A place to reflect on Te Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar), the relationship between the cosmos, our environment, and ourselves, and how these cycles continue to guide us.
🏡 Te Riu o Tamatea – A Resting & Entertaining Space
A communal area for gathering, storytelling, and reflection, designed to foster connection, inspiration, and shared experiences.
🌱 Hau Kura – 5-Day Cultural Biodiversity Experience
An immersive program combining culture and conservation, exploring the deep relationship between our people and the natural world, and how we care for the environment to ensure a thriving future.
🐟 Tuna Wai – 1.5-Hour Tuna & Water Quality Experience
Learn about the health of our waterways and the significance of tuna (eels) in our ecosystem and culture, while engaging in hands-on environmental learning.
Our Commitment
Each of these experiences embraces the historical connection to our culture and the importance of Hauora (Health and Wellbeing) for all. Through these spaces, we aim to reflect, connect, and inspire—strengthening our bond with the land and each other.
🌏 He tangata whenua – We are the land walking upright.
