Manea – Footprints of Kupe
Manea – Footprints of Kupe is an educational cultural and tourism site that is incredibly special to the people of Tai Tokerau.
Northland was named one of the world's top 21 travel destinations by Time Magazine, with Manea being singled out as a must-see attraction.
Northland's Māori tourism ventures hit the big time
20 years in the making and set on the shores of Hokianga, Manea – Footprints of Kupe – officially opened in December 2020. Manea is an interactive cultural, heritage, tourism and education centre all wrapped in to one, giving visitors an immersive journey into Te Ao Māori.
Kupe’s arrival to Te-Hokianga-nui-ā-Kupe, the Hokianga Harbour 950 years ago, marked the beginning of Aotearoa, New Zealand’s human story. Manea preserves, communicates, and celebrates Kupe’s voyage to Hokianga, his journeys across Aotearoa, his departure, the stories of repopulation and the progression of his descendants – all from a Ngāpuhi perspective. Not only is this a significant tourism experience for Tai Tokerau, but for Aotearoa also.
In support of this unique cultural facility, the jobs it brings to the region and the opportunities it provides, Manea received a $4.6 million grant from The Provincial Growth Fund, administered by Kānoa. The space strengthens Northland’s tourism offering and is pivotal to increasing length of stay and spend in Northland.
Manea – Footprints of Kupe is special in the sense that people who have grown up with these stories are now able to share them and put them out into the world – with the descendants of Kupe being the storytellers.