Mt Tarawera New Zealand

The Ngati Rangitihi sub-tribe of the Te Arawa people traditionally inhabited the north eastern side of Tarawera, including the sacred Ruawahia dome. Accordingly the community asks that all visitors to the mountain respect the conditions of access and acknowledge the sacred and special nature of the mountain as a tribal landmark.

Maori people acknowledge an important significance to land and identify their role as kaitiaki or guardians of the natural domains and features for future generations.

Maori use significant landmarks to identify their tribal regions, and residents of specific areas today, are descendents of the early Maori explorers.