Mount Hikurangi Maori Sculpture Experience

Hikurangi, the sacred maunga (mountain) of Ngati Porou, holds a special place within the hearts, minds and souls of our people. A cultural icon venerated through story, song and speech, Hikurangi also symbolically represents “home” for the 70,000 plus Ngati Porou tribal members who live on the East Coast and in other parts of the world.

Standing at 1754 metres, Hikurangi is the highest non-volcanic mountain in the North Island. It is 130km north of Gisborne and recognised as the first point on the New Zealand mainland to greet the morning sun.

For many Ngati Porou, a visit back to their tribal homeland would not be complete without a photo opportunity in front of their revered maunga. For others their ambition is to journey to the summit of the mountain. However, their objective is not to “conquer” Hikurangi. The pilgrimage represents a return to the whenua (land) of their ancestors, a return to their cultural roots.