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Ngatoroirangi Mine May Maori Rock Carvings-3-medium

Photo Credit: Love Taupō

Discovering New Zealand’s Heritage: Māori Rock Carvings

The Māori Rock Carvings that symbolize a more than 800 year old event are renowned as the most extraordinary contemporary artwork in New Zealand and are one of the must-see attractions in Taupō. Read this blog to understand why.

 

Māori Rock Carvings

In New Zealand, you will notice that carvings are an essential part of Māori culture and New Zealand’s heritage. This renowned Māori practice is surrounded by tapu (beliefs) and traditional customs also in modern New Zealand. You can find beautiful creations not only in the souvenir shops but in architecture, art, local Kiwis’ jewellery etc.

Traditional Māori carvings have something distinctly unique from the typical Polynesian style, which is thought to be due to the distance. Designs usually have been carved into wood, stone and the sacred ponamu (greenstone).

From the many legends and beliefs that are carried into today, we have learned that Māori ancestors are known as very religious and spiritual, and carving was an important part of spiritual activities as it was believed that the carved object was used as a vessel for the gods or spirits during rituals. Even more so, the material that was used for carving, tools and the carver itself always was considered sacred (tapu). 

Māori have passed on their skills and knowledge through generations so we are able to see and admire traditional creations also in modern New Zealand.

When visiting Taupō there are a few things on the must-see list, and one of them definitely is Māori Rock Carvings. A lot of people, when they first time hear about these carvings, think that they have been overlooking Lake Taupō since the first iwi settlement many years ago, but to their surprise, these Māori Rock Carvings are way more recent.

Photo Credit: Love Taupō

The Māori Rock Carving meaning

After finishing 10-year training as a carver, Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell was asked by his grandmother, Te Huatahi Susie Gilbert of Ngati Rauhoto, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Maiotaki and Ngati Whakaue, to create a likeness of their ancestor Ngatoroirangi – a visionary Māori navigator who guided the Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to the Taupō area, to create a permanent connection for her family to the land.

Matahi was inspired by this idea and not only he carved the likeness of Ngatoroirangi, but also 13 smaller carvings that are on the surrounding rocks that are portraying the ancestors (tupuna) and guardians (kaitiaki) of the local Māori tribe.

To acknowledge the multi-cultural nature of New Zealand, Matahi included also two smaller carvings of Celtic design, which depict the freezing south wind Ngatoroirangi stopped and a mermaid.

The main carving has a central line, which represents the celestial side of this being, as well as you can see the third eye or spiritual eye that connects this being to mother earth. His lip tattoo means “shooting star”, to symbolize him as a descendant of the Star God and the eagle wing under his lip symbolizes how he was supposed to fly from one location to another. 

When looking at the whole cliff and taking in to account also smaller carvings, you will see 4 lineages making up who Matahi is.

 

History of The Māori Rock Carving

The Māori Rock Carving was never planned to be an iconic tourist attraction, but due to its significance to Māori culture and its uniqueness, the carving has had its fame since created in the 70s.

The 14m high carving accompanied by smaller carvings around it was carved over the course of four years from 1976 until 1980 by traditional marae-taught carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell and 4 assistants – Te Miringa Hohaia, Steve Myhre, Dave Hegglun and Jono Randell – as a gift to Taupō.

What is really interesting, is that originally Matahi wanted to create something out of a totara tree, but as there was none available, he went onto the lake to get some inspiration as he always has been feeling close to the water, attributing it to his ancestral links. And to his luck, he came around the Western Bays and at the Mine Bay he noticed the alcove and instantly felt a connection to it and knew that it shall be the canvas for his intended work.

There were many sketch plans, but the main thing carvers had to get done before starting, was to clear the cliff face and get it to level. After that Matahi used a string line to map out the drawing. It was a long project for which none of the artists got paid because it was a gift from them to the locals and township. The only payment that was taken was donations to cover the cost of the scaffolding that allowed to create the carving in a safe way.

During the process Matahi was purpose-driven, and even though there were many people telling him to stop for various reasons, he carried on in a very detail-oriented way. Matahi has said: “As the descendant of Ngatoroirangi I had to present him in perfection or don’t do it at all.” 

The carver of the Māori Rock Carving

Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell is a traditional marae-taught carver and actually one of the last ones who has been trained like this.

When he came to Taupō back in 1976, he had just completed his 10-year training period with Māori elders and was full of inspiration to give back to his ancestors by creating something lasting and beautiful due to his passion for his Māori heritage. 

Matahi is a 27th-generation descendant of Ngatoroirangi –  a visionary Māori navigator who guided the Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to the Taupō area over a thousand years ago. 

But Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell is well known not just as the creator of the legendary  Māori Rock Carvings but also known as the “father of waka ama” as he is the one who founded the sport of competitive racing of traditional Polynesian canoes (waka am) in New Zealand. This happened after his journey in 1985 that replicated Māori migration from East Polynesia to New Zealand back in the 14th century, which he did in his double-hulled canoe he built especially for this trip.

Getting to the Māori Rock Carving

The Māori Rock Carvings are located in Mine Bay on Lake Taupō and as they are accessible only from water, it gives an even more special feel to it.

The Māori Rock Carvings location is a great excuse to hire a kayak if you want to have a real close-up look as well as if you are more into some adventure. 

There are some local guided kayak tours too, so you don’t miss out. 

But if you prefer a relaxing trip, check out the TOP10 membership deals and book Taupō Sailing Adventure to enjoy the comfort of the boat, admire the pristine waters of Lake Taupō, sip some tea and listen to guide commentary that goes into detail about the Māori Rock Carvings.

Get in touch with us at info@laketaupotop10.co.nz or call on 0800 668 229 and our reception staff will be more than happy to suggest the options but know – whatever you choose, you will have an unforgettable experience.

Check out Mt Ruapehu this morning!!! Are you considering a trip to the snow this winter? It's going to be an epic winter on the slopes and we have availability in cabins, units and our snuggly glamping domes. Visit https://www.laketaupotop10.co.nz/ for availability.

#winterglamping #winterwonderland #motuterebaytop10holidaypark #lovetaupo #top10holidayparks
Just a heads up travellers: On Sunday 28 April Downers, the road maintenance providers for NZ Transport Agency, will be undertaking night works on 2 pavement maintenance sites along the Desert Road.

Works are programmed from 6 pm Sunday 28 April for 1 night only (weather dependent).

From 6 pm Sunday 28 April to 6 am Monday 29 April, SH1 will be closed between Waiouru and Rangipo. There will be a detour in place: from SH1 via SH46, SH47, SH4 and SH49, back to SH1 and vice versa. This detour is expected to take approximately 1hr 15 mins.
Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date at: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
SH 1 Taupo to Turangi - Caution: Road Hazard
We have received reports of a truck crash near Hatepe blocking lanes. Diversions may be required. Please keep up to date via this link if you are travelling to or from Motutere Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park this afternoon/evening: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/waikato/traffic-updates/464562/details
#staysafe #motuterebaytop10holidaypark
2024 ITM Taupō Super400
It’s a new track and a new era for New Zealand in 2024, as the sweeping mountains of the North Island welcome Supercars to Taupō.

Today at 3:45pm - Track to Town - Fans will be able to cheer on their favourite teams and drivers as they make their way from Taupo International Motorsport Park to Te Atea – Tapuaeharuru, Roberts Street in downtown Taupo.

The cars will travel along Broadlands Road, Tauhara Road, Spa Road, turn left into Tongariro Street, left turn into Roberts Street and park in town for an all-in driver autograph session. There will be free posters available for all during the session.
https://www.supercars.com/events/2024-itm-taupo/whats-on
#top10holidayparks #motuterebaytop10holidaypark #supercarstaupo #lovetauponz
4 Day Flash Sale - Get in quick!

Stay for three nights, pay for two on-site and accommodation at TOP 10 Holiday Parks across New Zealand.

Plus, our great friends at Interislander are offering TOP 10 Members 20% off flexible and refundable passenger and vehicle fares.

Click the link for more details and how to book: https://top10.co.nz/promotions/autumn-2024/

#motuterebaytop10holidaypark #top10holidayparks #lovetaupo #flashsale #newzealand #laketaupo #camping #Petfriendly
🐟🐟 October LWE Family Fishing Competition 2023 🐟🐟

To our sponsors 👇
Norm & Maree Anderson
Craig & Gail Ewans
Kathy Smith
Barry & Shirley Storey
Brett Giles
Barbary Cruises
Craters of the Moon
Tongariro Rafting
Taupo Bungy
Craft Brewery Taupo
Taupo Mini Golf
Liquorland Taupo
Hunting and Fishing
Cozy Corner Taupo 
McDonald's Taupo
Carousels Confectionary
Pak'nSave
Lava Glass
Dixie Browns 
Turangi Marine
The Cave
Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park
ITM Fishing Show
Bluebird
Army Museum

Thank you 🙏
We are lost for words with gratitude for your generous contribution to the Motutere Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park Family Fishing Competition. Your donation of prizes is an incredible show of support and we are so grateful for your generosity.

Thank you on behalf of all of us at Motutere Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park
We're happy to announce that 2023 Motutere Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park Family Fishing Competition tickets are now available.

If you have not attended our Fishing Competition before you can expect three days of fishing and fun whilst meeting new and old friends. There is a buzz in the air over the fishing competition weekend and this year we've moved the date to October so it'll be a bit warmer out there on the lake. 

As per previous years, we will host a catered presentation night and provide some musical entertainment for your enjoyment.

There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs this year including an AJ Hackett Bungy Jump and local attraction passes. You have to be in it, to win it, so call Grace or myself in reception and we'll hook you up with some tickets.

You can find more information here https://www.laketaupotop10.co.nz/family-fishing-competition-2023/

We hope to see you there,
Julia & Brent
Park Managers

#lovetaupo #dixiebrowns #cratersofthemoonnz #thecozycornertaupo #ajhackettbungynz #lavaglasstaupo #top10holidayparks #mouterebaytop10holidayparks #familyfishingcompetition
The Māori Rock Carvings that symbolise a more than 800-year-old event are renowned as the most extraordinary contemporary artwork in New Zealand and are one of the must-see attractions in Taupō. 

Read our blog to understand why: https://www.laketaupotop10.co.nz/discovering-new-zealands-heritage-maori-rock-carvings/

Book a Māori Rock Carvings tour with Taupo Sailing Adventures and receive 10% off when you are a TOP 10 Member. Call us on 0800 668 229 to book or pop in and see our reception staff.
#tauposailingadventure #lovetaupo #motuterebaytop10holidaypark #top10holidayparks #DoSomethingNew #
Our Lakefront Glamping Domes offer a break with a difference for those wishing to escape their daily routine, unwind and reset. Enjoy a lakefront escape like no other where you can get close to nature without having to compromise on comfort or quality.

Whether you want romance, a serene honeymoon, a celebration, adventure holiday, or a simple break away from it all, you will find it here. All you need to do is pack a bag, jump in your car, and get here.
Book here today: https://www.laketaupotop10.co.nz/accommodation/lakefront-glamping-domes/
#motuterebaytop10holidaypark #top10holidayparks #glampingdomes #honeymooners #healthandwellnessgoals
HAVE YOU GOT THIS ON YOUR RADAR?

Every Friday let's get together for a boogie with our awesome staff members Grace and Evan. 💃🕺

ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!

Learn the:
🕺Basic Rock & Roll steps,
🕺Rock & Roll waltz,
🕺Neon Moon,
🕺Rockabilly Stroll
🕺& a few basic line dances

Visit once and we’ll teach you the basics.

Visit more, and we’ll teach you more!!!!

Every Friday
7PM - 7PM
Recreation room

See you there!
#motuterebaytop10holidaypark #rockabilly #top10holidayparks #lovetaupo #holidayparkactivities
🗻 NZ Mountain Film Festival National Tour 🗻

Internationally recognised as one of the world’s premier mountain film festival events an audience can expect up-close adventures, emotive and insightful cultural content, and the usual fast-paced, action-packed adrenaline entertainment making for an impressive programme that will have outdoor enthusiasts inspired and entertained.

This collection has something for everyone and is the perfect environment to fuel your imagination and plan your next adventure. 

COME ALONG & IGNITE YOUR PASSION FOR ADVENTURE, ACTION, AND TRAVEL 🤩

👉 You can either watch them online or on Thu 27 Jul, 7:00pm - 9:30pm at Starlight Cinema.

More info @nzmountainfilm 

📸 Photo borrowed from @nzmffTaupo FB page.

#nzmountainfilmnz #nzmountainfilmfestival #filmfestival #activitiesintaupo #adventure #travel #inspiration #lovetaupo #tauponz #staywithus #motuterebaytop10holidaypark #event #mountains #movies
GEOTHERMAL ATTRACTIONS IN TAUPO

🌋🌋🌋

The Taupo region is full of geothermal activity with wild-coloured silica terraces, hot springs, and steam vents bursting from the ground. For visitors not looking to get hot and sweaty while trekking up a volcanic cone, these areas, such as Orakei Korako, offer an easy way to witness the geological wonders of New Zealand's volcanic foundations.

Either you are after a geothermal walk or relaxation in a hot pool, there are plenty of options for all.

🌋 Orakei Korako Cave & Geothermal Park
🌋 Tokaanu Thermal Walk
🌋 Spa Thermal Park
🌋 Craters of the Moon
🌋 Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
🌋 Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs
🌋 Tokaanu Thermal Pools
🌋 Otumuheke Stream
🌋 AC Baths Hot Pools
🌋 Turtle Pools - Turangi

Which one is your favourite?

📸Photo by bryn beatson on Unsplash.

#hotpools #geothermal #geothermalspa #geothermalwalk #taupo #thingstodointaupo #motuterebaytop10holidaypark #lovetaupo #tauponz #geothermalactivity #thermalspa #thermalspapark #geothermalpark #geothermalpool
HAVE YOU GOT THIS ON YOUR RADAR?

Every Wednesday and Friday let's get together for a boogie with our awesome staff members Grace and Evan. 💃🕺

ALL AGES WELCOME!

Learn the:
🕺basic Rock & Roll steps,
🕺Rock & Roll waltz,
🕺neon Moon,
🕺Rockabilly Stroll
🕺& a few basic line dances

Visit once we’ll teach you the basics.

Visit more, we’ll teach you more!!!!

Wednesdays and Fridays
7PM - 7PM
Recreation room

See you there!

#rockandrolldance #rockandrolllessons #dancing #dancelessonstaupo #taupodancelessons #activitiesintaupo #lovetaupo #tauponz #motuterebaytop10holidaypark #guestactivities #thingstodo #thingstodointaupo #camping #holidays #glamping #accommodation
CELABRATE MATARIKI IN TAUPO

This week is all about celebrating Matariki, and why not to do it by staying at our park and enjoying the beautiful views of Lake Taupo? 🥰

We have a few powered and unpowered sites still available, so get in touch via DM and we will help you to make a booking or head to our website and make a booking there.

Not sure why to stay with us this week?

👉 activities for kids over Matariki Weekend - ✅check
👉 dancing some rock&roll with the staff on Friday - ✅check
👉 plenty of fun in Taupo to celabrate Matariki - ✅check
👉 magical views - ✅check
👉 great staff and facilities - ✅check

Looking forward to seeing you!

#motuterebaytop10holidaypark #matariki #matarikiweekend #matariki2023 #schoolholidays #staywithus #kidsactivities #familyfriendly #holidays #taupo #lovetaupo #stayintaupo #staywithus
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