Manea Theatre Attraction Footprints of Kupe

Experience the Legend of Kupe at Manea Footprints of Kupe

Embark on a journey through time at Manea Footprints of Kupe, where the rich Maori heritage comes alive through the legendary voyage of Kupe, the esteemed Polynesian navigator. This immersive cultural attraction offers a unique opportunity to delve into the stories, traditions, and landscapes that have shaped New Zealand's history. Located in the tranquil and picturesque Hokianga Harbour, Manea blends captivating storytelling, art, and natural beauty.

A Multisensory Cultural Encounter

Manea Footprints of Kupe invites you to a 75-minute multisensory journey filled with guided storytelling through art, taonga (cultural treasures), film, performance, and digital interaction, all set against the stunning backdrop of Hokianga’s natural surroundings. This experience offers a deep dive into te ao Māori, the Māori world, providing a profound cultural encounter.

Begin Your Journey

Meet your guide and step into the footsteps of Kupe. As you travel to Manea, your guide will share ancestral stories and the ancient realms of Kupe, depicted through carvings and the surrounding landscape.

Arrival and Welcome Ceremony

Upon arriving at the Manea whare taonga (house of treasures), you will be welcomed with the timeless pōwhiri ceremony. Enter the Manea theatre and be immersed in a 20-minute 4D digital extravaganza and live performance, bringing to life the vibrant world and daring adventures of Kupe. Gain a new appreciation for the extraordinary ocean voyages undertaken by your ancestors.

Explore and Absorb

Following the theatre experience, your guide will lead you outside to fully grasp the significance of the Hokianga Harbour, where Kupe once lived and eventually departed. Continue your exploration in the Footprints of Kupe Interactive Gallery, where digital stations provide further insights into the stories of your ancestors.

Walk in the Footsteps of Kupe

The descendants of Kupe warmly welcome you to Te Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe, the sacred cradle of tribal histories. Walk with us in the footprints of our ancestor – Kupe the intrepid, Kupe the voyager, Kupe the discoverer. Experience the legend, culture, and history that continue to shape New Zealand.