Maori experience South Island NZ
 

We have finally settled on a 10 day South Island itinerary with much help from the forum. We even figured out which glacier to heli-hike! But we now need help with info about the 2 choices in Christchurch for a Maori evening. I have lots of info about Willowbank but can't find much about Nga Hau E Wha National Marae. Supposedly, they have a tour, concert and hangi but the actual web site is not there! There is much info on the marae on the CC library site but nothing about the tour, concert and hangi. The National Marae looks incredible in pix and seems like it would be more rewarding than Willowbank since we aren't big on zoos and have no kids. Has anyone done their evening? What happened to their site? Should I phone the library?

As you may know there was a devastating earthquake in Christchurch a year ago. A lot of websites are not accurate. If Fodorite kiwirob or a recent visitor doesn't respond, I would email the Canterbury I-site office thru the link. It may be that there isn't enough tourism in Christchurch to justify a regular event, and the location is being used as a temporary courthouse

http://www.i-site.org.nz/canterbury

Thank you. That indeed may be the problem. I have no clear idea where it's loated in Christchurch.

I have just seen this post, janeth. You could try emailing an enquiry to the marae at [email protected]
If that is not successful, let me know and I will do a bit of digging.
Because of the earthquake damage to the courthouse in the central city, part of the marae is being used as courtrooms, so the tours may be on hold for now.
Rob.

I have checked with the marae, janeth, and can confirm that the tours are now on hold indefinitely. The complex has been taken over by the courts, and this is likely to continue for quite some time.
There is very little in Christchurch now that is as it was before the earthquake.
Rob.

Thank you for finding out for me. I am sorry we can't see it, since it looks incredible. But I am glad it isn't damaged.