Pacific Auckland
As the world's largest Polynesian city, Auckland is guaranteed to add some Pacific flavour to your holiday itinerary. With its melting pot of Polynesian cultures, Auckland offers a great opportunity to experience life Polynesian style, from traditional markets to the city’s annual Pasifika festival.
Auckland Museum One of the best places to begin exploring is the Auckland Museum
Tamaki Paenga Hira, where you’ll find an extensive overview of cultural influences, both historic and contemporary. This classic neo-gothic building looks out across the harbour from its lofty position in the Auckland Domain, and lays claim to the world’s largest collection of
taonga (treasures), and rarest Pacific artefacts.
A highlight of the museum is the
He Taonga Maori (Maori treasures) gallery, which contains more than 1000 Maori artefacts dating back to early Maori arrival and settlement. There are also several buildings including
Hotunui, a full-size meeting house, and
Te Toki a Tapiri, the last great Maori war canoe to be used in battle, carved from a massive totara tree.
While at the Museum, be sure to catch a performance by Manaia, the face of Ngati Whatua o Orakei – the
tangata whenua (home tribe) of Auckland. Their passionate performances include a traditional Maori welcome, the poi dance, a stick game and weaponry display, and of course, New Zealand’s famous haka. Manaia perform daily from January to March at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm, and from April to December at 11am, 12 noon and 1.30pm. The show costs $15 (children half-price). For bookings
email the Museum. You can catch the Link Bus to the Domain from the downtown Britomart precinct, phone Maxx on 366 6400 or visit
Maxx for details.
Otara MarketFor a taste of Pacific crafts, food and culture, Otara Market is one of Auckland’s most vibrant Polynesian attractions. This bustling open-air market in South Auckland’s Newbury Street draws thousands of shoppers and bargain hunters each Saturday morning, with everything from fresh produce to Pacific CDs, clothing, crafts and island-style entertainment. You can also sample some of the delicious island-style food, including raw fish marinated in coconut milk, pineapple fritters and taro.
The market is held from 6am-12 noon, but get there early for a good car park. Access is from the East Tamaki off-ramp on the Southern Motorway, about 20km south of central Auckland. For bus information, contact Maxx or visit the Britomart Information kiosk located on the ground floor, next to the ticketing counters.
PasifikaAs March approaches, Auckland also gears up for its largest celebration of Pacific lifestyles and culture – Pasifika. This colourful festival takes place on Saturday 11 March, and it is a rare chance to visit Pacific Island ‘villages’ without leaving town. Visitors are entertained by contemporary arts and music from each village, as well as traditional food, crafts and cultural performances. This huge celebration has more than 350 stalls selling everything from fresh coconuts and traditional tapa (bark) cloths to live music and Pacific-style jewellery and clothes. The festival opens with the Air New Zealand Opening Night Concert from 7.30-9.30pm on Friday 10 March.
Pasifika is held in Western Springs Park & Stadium, Great North Road. Festival day is Saturday 11 March, from 10am-5pm, and you can visit the
Auckland City website for further details. Parking near the stadium is limited, but you can also catch a bus or train to the stadium - contact Maxx for details.
Useful websites