MĀTAATUA: THE HOUSE THAT CAME HOME

With its superb marae (the famous Maori meeting houses ), this cultural center offers a wonderful insight into Polynesian culture. The visitor center tells the story of local history and traditions, and those interested can book a place at one of the scheduled cultural events, for a real experience. Here's a place where you can feel mana (supernatural power) or something akin to it. Whakatane is a very spiritual place.