Otakou Marae is a Maori meeting ground for ceremonies, social gatherings and sacred worship. It’s an important center for the Ngai Tahu, who are the main Maori iwi (tribe) of New Zealand’s South Island. Otakou Marae sits on a hillside overlooking Otago Harbour. In 1840 it was one of the locations for the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, which led to the annexation of New Zealand to the British Crown.
Enter the complex to see the wharenui, which is the main building used for iwi meetings, ceremonies, celebrations and craft workshops. The wharenui here is named after Tamatea, who was a legendary Maori explorer and ancient ancestor of the Ngai Tahu. Those that set foot inside must abide by the strict tikanga values of etiquette and protocol.
Pay attention to the koruru, which is the carved entrance to the wharenui. It symbolizes the bodily parts of the ancestor. The specific features are the tekoteko (head), maihi (arms), amo (legs), tahuhu (backbone), heke (ribs) and poutokomanawa (central heart post). Stained-glass windows depict soldiers and there’s a memorial to the men that fought during wars.
Every 3 years the marae hosts the Ngai Tahu Treaty Festival. It commemorates Waitangi Day, when tribal leaders signed the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi. Observe the powerful warrior chants of the powhiri welcoming ceremony and partake in the Hong nose-pressing greeting. Expect speeches, craft stalls and entertainment in the form of folkloric song and dance.
Find the Otakou Marae in the fishing village of Otakou, at the eastern end of the Otago Peninsula. It’s a 35-minute drive from Dunedin via a scenic coastal road. Parking is available at the rear of the complex. A public bus service departs from Dunedin Central and stops a short walk away from the attraction.
Visit the official website of Otakou Marae to make enquiries about visiting hours. At nearby Harington Point is the Penguin Place and Royal Albatross Centre wildlife sanctuaries.
