The visitor experience will be 90 minutes in duration and weaves an interactive guided tour through the Centres grounds led by Kupe’s descendants with authentic cultural engagement including protocols, storytelling, waiata (song), karakia (prayers) and culminates in a powhiri (welcome ceremony) and a 20 minute 4D movie and live theatre performance bringing to life his epic journey and the dramatic return voyages of his progenies. Connect deeper with local stories at your leisure courtesy of the technology stations that will be located in the Gallery area and pass the time by enjoying the tranquillity of the outdoor concourse space.

Whakapapa / Connect

Meet your guide and begin your journey in the footsteps of Kupe. Engage in stories about our ancestors and the ancient realms of Kupe, told through carvings and the surrounding land. Deepen your understanding of Māori customs and our dynamic connections to the natural and spiritual world.

Ruku / Immerse

On your arrival at the Manea whare taonga (house of treasures), our people welcome you with the timeless cultural ceremony of pōwhiri. You now enter the Manea theatre, where a 20-minute 4D-digital extravaganza and live performance immerses you in a full sensory recreation of the rich and vibrant world of the intrepid adventures of Kupe. You appreciate in a new way the extraordinary feats of our ancestors’ ocean voyaging.

Toro / Interact

From the theatre, your guide will lead you outside to absorb the full significance of the Hokianga harbour and our story. This was not only where Kupe made his home, but also his final departure point from this land. You can now continue your journey of discovery at your leisure in the Footprints of Kupe Interactive Gallery, where digital stations reveal more details of our ancestor’s story.