A Place of Story and Belonging

• Our marae is named for the landing place of the waka of the ancestor Māui — “Tauraka Waka a Māui” – evocative of that moment where voyaging became anchoring and ancestry rooted in this whenua. 

• The wharenui (meeting house) is called Kaipō, and the wharekai (dining / gathering hall) is known as Pōke. 

• The marae sits in the rohe of the hapū Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio of Ngāi Tahu, and is a place where ceremony, reunion, culture and community unite. 

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Our History

• While the lands have long held significance, the current marae complex was officially opened on 23 January 2005, in a dawn ceremony at Bruce Bay. 

• Prior to this, in the region there had been no dedicated marae for approximately 140 years — making the opening of this marae a deeply significant moment for Māori communities on the West Coast. 

• The process of bringing the marae into being included negotiations and land-exchange arrangements (including with the Department of Conservation) that paved the way for a new home of culture. 

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The Place and Its Setting

• The marae overlooks the Tasman Sea, situated in the spectacular and rugged coastal environment of South Westland, only around 40 km from our ancestral maunga Aoraki / Mount Cook. 

• The location at Mahitahi / Bruce Bay carries deep cultural weight — the place of arrival, departure, belonging and connection. 

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Facilities & Booking Information

We warmly invite you to consider the marae for your event, hui, retreat, or gathering. Below is a quick guide to what you’ll find, and how to proceed with booking:

• Wharenui Kaipō – A sacred, carved meeting house, ideal for pōwhiri, wānanga, large group meetings, ceremonies and cultural moments.

• Wharekai Pōke – A spacious dining / communal space for shared meals, hospitality, workshops and social exchange.

• Outdoor grounds & ātea – A welcoming open space for arrival, mingling, contemplation, and kai outdoors if required.

• Accommodation & supporting spaces – Options can be discussed for over-night stay, whānau use, and event support (please enquire).

• Cultural integrity & tikanga – As with all marae, our space is one of Māori tikanga, respect and connection. We ask all users to engage with the place and its people in a mindful way, and to check with us regarding protocols, pōwhiri, footwear, alcohol/food policies, etc.

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Next Steps for Booking

Below you will find a booking form. Please fill in your details: date(s) requested, purpose of booking, estimated numbers, any overnight stay, catering requirements, audio-visual needs and any special tikanga considerations (e.g., pōwhiri, karakia). Once we receive your submission we will contact you to confirm availability, discuss costs, tikanga, and arrangements to ensure your booking maintains the mana and purpose of the marae.