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 Ngāti 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

 

Please download and complete the booking form here and then either email it to our office at makaawhio.admin@ngaitahu.co.nz or send it to PO Box 225 Hokitika.