10 Things to Do in Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House, Gisborne New Zealand
Gisborne, New Zealand is home to the Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House, an important cultural and spiritual site for the local Māori people. The meeting house, which was built in the late 19th century, is a place of great significance and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the region. Here are 10 things to do at Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House.
1. Take a Tour: Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House offers guided tours that provide visitors with an in-depth look at the history and culture of the Māori people. The tour will take you through the intricately carved interior of the meeting house and offer insight into the spiritual and cultural significance of the building.
2. Participate in a Powhiri: A powhiri is a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony that is performed at the entrance of the meeting house. During the ceremony, visitors are given a traditional Māori greeting and welcomed into the meeting house.
3. Attend a Performance: Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House is home to traditional Māori performances, such as haka (traditional war dances) and poi (a traditional dance). Visitors can watch these performances and learn more about the culture of the Māori people.
4. Go on a Cultural Walk: The Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House offers a cultural walk that takes visitors through the surrounding landscape and provides insight into the spiritual and cultural significance of the area.
5. Visit the Carving Studio: The carving studio at Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House is a great place to learn more about Māori art and culture. Visitors can watch carvers at work and learn about the traditional techniques used to create the intricate carvings found in the meeting house.
6. Learn About Māori History: Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House offers an in-depth look at the history of the Māori people. Visitors can learn about the history of the Māori people and the significance of the meeting house in the region.
7. Participate in a Workshop: Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House offers a variety of workshops that allow visitors to learn more about Māori culture and art. These workshops are a great way to gain a better understanding of the region and its people.
8. Take a Photo: Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House is a beautiful and iconic building, and visitors should take the opportunity to take a few photos of the building and its surroundings.
9. Shop for Souvenirs: Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and other items that celebrate the culture and history of the Māori people.
10. Enjoy a Meal: Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House has a café where visitors can enjoy a meal and relax after a day of exploring the region. The café also serves traditional Māori food, so be sure to try some of the local cuisine.
Visiting Te Poho-o-Rawiri Meeting House is a great way to learn more about the history and culture of the Māori people. With so many things to do, visitors are sure to have an enjoyable and educational experience.