Mountains and Mana – How to Travel Respectfully in Aotearoa – New Zealand

Māori culture is at the heart of Aotearoa – New Zealand. From place names and stories to food, language and identity, it shapes how we see and experience this land. As tangata whenua (the people of the land), Māori have a deep connection to whenua – the land – and this relationship is reflected in traditions, customs and sacred places all across the motu.

For travellers wanting more than a surface-level trip, showing cultural respect will take you deeper. It’s not just about being polite. It’s about honouring the stories, spirits and mana that have existed here for generations.

What Makes Cultural Awareness So Important?

Travelling through Aotearoa means entering spaces that carry deep meaning. Mountains, rivers, forests and lakes are not just beautiful backdrops – they are ancestors, guardians and living entities to Māori communities.

There have been moments when visitors, even with good intentions, have misunderstood or disrespected these values. One such example made headlines worldwide.

In 2017, a foreign traveller posted a nude photo of herself at the summit of Mount Taranaki, unaware of the mountain’s sacred status. For many Māori, Taranaki is an ancestor, and standing naked on its peak was deeply offensive. Despite the traveller’s claim that they had researched the area beforehand, the post caused widespread hurt.

This is a powerful reminder – intent is not the same as impact. Respecting local customs is a non-negotiable part of being a thoughtful global traveller.

Understanding Mana and Māori Etiquette at Landmarks

Many of Aotearoa’s natural sites hold mana – a spiritual power that connects people, land and ancestors. Mountains, rivers, lakes and even waterfalls are seen as living entities, often personified in stories passed down through generations.

When visiting places like Mt Taranaki, Tongariro, Aoraki/Mount Cook or any sacred lake or river, there are important tikanga (cultural protocols) to follow:

• Do not eat or wash in sacred waterways
• Avoid standing on summits or ridgelines considered tapu (sacred)
• Never climb or photograph disrespectfully at wāhi tapu (sacred places)
• Look for local signage or cultural information at the site
• If unsure – ask or simply err on the side of caution

Respecting these protocols is not about rules or restrictions. It’s about recognising that you are a manuhiri – a guest in a place that holds spiritual and historical weight for its people.

Travelling with Cultural Respect

One of the greatest gifts travel can offer is the chance to learn from other worldviews. Being open, curious and humble will enrich your experience in Aotearoa – not just for you but for the people and places you encounter.

Before heading out to explore:

• Research the cultural significance of places on your itinerary
• Learn a few basic Māori words and greetings – it goes a long way
• Seek out local iwi-led tours or experiences to gain deeper insights
• Support businesses that honour and uplift Māori stories and voices

Aotearoa will leave a mark on you – if you let it. Travel with intention, tread with care and you’ll find that the real magic lies not only in the landscapes but in the spirit that lives within them.

Planning to visit places like Aoraki, Tongariro or Mount Taranaki?

Check out our destination guides that weave in cultural context, local tips and respectful ways to experience the land.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.