Visit the house that came back home and get a glimpse at the unique history and culture of the Ngati Awa people.

Originally built in 1875 as a gift to Queen Victoria, Mataatua Wharenui is a meetinghouse that has travelled the world over the past 130 years, having been dismantled and rebuilt in Sydney, London and Dunedin.  It wasn't until 1996 that Mataatua Wharenui returned to its home in Whakatane.

After having been rebuilt and restored, this traditional Maori meetinghouse stands adorned with beautiful wood carvings of the Ngati Awa iwi. Inside, a digital presentation makes use of modern technology to share the story of the house and the myths and legends of the Ngati Awa people as well as highlight the intricacies of the carvings.

There is nothing else quite like this in New Zealand, and visitors are sure to leave educated and impressed.