Travel News

Haka Lessons for Backpackers

Visitors wanting to learn the Maori haka can now do so at Kiwi Paka.

Rotorua ’s longest-running backpackers, Kiwi Paka is offering the lessons from December 1.
 
The lessons, taken by local man Tiki Edwards of Haka World, will be for men and women. Tiki came up with the idea when he was living in the UK. He played rugby and was repeatedly asked to perform the haka. He found people from all cultures were interested in it and he now wants to educate people with fun 90-minute sessions.
 
“He’ll dress them up fully and explain the meaning behind the haka,” Kiwi Paka owner Malcolm Munro says.
 
“We don’t want to take away from the experiences at Tamaki and Mitai, but it will help visitors understand the culture when they go to those places.”
 
Kiwi Paka has been running since 1986 and is a Rotorua-based company who employs only local people. It is also a member of the Rotorua Education Network.
 
“We’re proud to contribute to the community,” Malcolm, a past member of the Destination Rotorua Tourism Board, says.
 
As well as backpackers, Kiwi Paka caters to the conference market, with capacity to host up to 100 delegates.
 
Upgrades of the café and bar have been completed and improvements are continuing, with the thermal pool area next in line.
 
“We’re here for the long-term,” Malcolm says.
 
The company also has a backpacker hostel in Waitomo, which opened five years ago.

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