Rewa's Village: Authentic Māori Cultural Experience

Traditional Architecture

Explore authentic Māori buildings constructed using traditional techniques:

• Whare Rangatira: The chief's house, showcasing superior craftsmanship
• Whare Puni: Sleeping houses for families
• Pataka: Raised food storage buildings
• Cooking Areas: Traditional earth ovens (hangi) and cooking methods
• Waka: Traditional Māori canoes

Cultural Demonstrations

Depending on when you visit, you may experience:

• Traditional weaving demonstrations
• Māori games and activities
• Storytelling about local history and legends
• Traditional food preparation methods
• Guided tours explaining daily life in the village

Planning Your Visit

• Location: Landing Road, Kerikeri Basin (next to the Stone Store)
• Opening Hours: Check locally as hours vary seasonally
• Admission: Small entry fee (supports village maintenance)
• Duration: Allow 1-2 hours for your visit
• Accessibility: Some areas may be challenging for mobility-impaired visitors
• Photography: Permitted, but be respectful

Historical Context

The village is located in an area that was densely populated by Māori before European arrival. The nearby Kororipo Pā was one of the largest fortified villages in New Zealand, home to the powerful chief Hongi Hika.

Chief Rewa, after whom the village is named, was a significant figure in early contact between Māori and Europeans. He lived in this area during the establishment of the Kerikeri Mission Station in the 1820s and played an important role in the complex relationships between Māori tribes and European settlers.

Preservation and Education

The village serves as an important educational resource, helping preserve traditional Māori building techniques, cultural practices, and knowledge for future generations. It provides visitors with authentic insights into pre-European Māori life that can't be found in books or museums alone.