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Surrounded by pristine waters in the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand fully deserves its brand line: "Pure New Zealand". It is one
of the cleanest countries in the world, with well-preserved nature, landscapes, beaches and sea. But not only the nature is
preserved: in the midst of ultra-modern civilization, the indigenous culture and traditions flourish because of carefully
designed multicultural policy.
When Captain Cook reached New Zealand in 1769, the country was a paradise of lush forests,
great source of healing waters and inhabited by the fearless Maori. Forward three centuries, the outlook has changed only
in the big modern cities of Auckland or Wellington. The rest of New Zealand is still not very populated (4 million total,
roughly the population of Miami), calm and majestic, nature loving country.
With a spectacular scenery, from green
pastures to the Southern Alps to beautiful beaches, fjords, volcanoes, thermal pools, rainforests, glaciers and their lakes,
along with their small towns, bustling cities, New Zealanders spend a lot of time enjoying a both a relaxed and active lifestyle.
It is also is a culinary and wine connoisseur's delight.
One of the pioneers of the creative tourism, New Zealand
offers totally immersive experience when it comes to indigenous arts and crafts. The Maori people didn’t forget any
of their skills in creating beautiful masks, body art, or jewelry. And while in many countries learning the crafts is an isolated
and highly commercialized experience, in New Zealand this is the part of leaving the traditions. The travelers are invited
by the local Maori to live, celebrate and create with them not only pieces of art, but also be part of what they believe is
the essence of life: the harmony between nature and humanity.
Cultural Crossroads offers custom designed tours to New
Zealand, tailored to the interests of small groups or individuals, interested in full cultural immersion, fine food and wine,
traditional Maori arts or nature and healing experiences. In addition, once a year, we organize a very special tour to actively
participate with the Maoris’ in the Waitangi Day Celebrations around 6th of February.
- Maori Celebration in New Zealand
Join Cultural Crossroads on this extraordinary cultural adventure. We will participate in the Waitangi Day Ngapuhi celebrations,
an authentic Maori tradition. And we are honored that National Geographic Traveler has included this adventure in it's "50
Tours of a Lifetime" for 2012.
Waitangi Day marks the Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the treaty) signed between Queen Victoria and Ngapuhi chiefs in 1840 at Waitangi,
in the Bay of Islands. The Treaty established a British Governor for New Zealand, recognized Maori ownership of their lands
and other properties, and gave the Maori the rights of British subjects, thus forming the basis of modern New Zealand. Every
year, Maori tribes from all over the country congregate at Waitangi to commemorate the treaty. It is probably the most significant
date in the Maori calendar.
The Maori Celebrations Tour is a new offering for Cultural Crossroads travelers. The tour coincides with the 2012 Waitangi
Day, and represents a unique cultural immersion experience. We will be part of all preparations and celebration of the Ngapuhi
tribe, the most prominent Maori community in New Zealand. We will live, train, learn and celebrate together with the Maori
people.
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