Pounamu Pathway

Pounamu Pathway

Pounamu Pathway journey to a place of legends. Discover the sights and stories of New Zealand’s wild West Coast. Immersive, inspiring and truly unforgettable. The Pounamu Pathway will guide you along the length of the West Coast, a place anchored by the stories of a treasured local gemstone. 

The Pounamu Pathway are four interconnected visitor experience centres. Blending leading-edge digital storytelling and have been proudly co-created by Wētā Workshop, renowned for their work on The Lord of The Rings and Avatar. 

Experience history coming to life in must-visit coastal locations – Greymouth, Westport, Hokitika and Haast. 

Māwhera

Discover the South Island’s West Coast while stepping back into its remarkable past. A significant landmark along the Pounamu Pathway touring route. Greymouth’s Māwhera Pa, is a truly visionary visitor experience revealing Māori history and culture in powerful new ways. Welcome to the world of the local Ngāi Tahu people through the stories of their ancestors. Retold right in the heart of the place they once lived. Thrill yourself with the immersive digital storytelling made in partnership with Wētā Workshop, one of the creative powerhouses behind The Lord of The Rings and Avatar. Be touched by the spirit of kotahitanga (togetherness) and truth-telling that this contemporary meeting place inspires. 

Haere Mai, Welcome

With spectacular architectural designs featuring treasured tribal patterns, master carving and other traditional artforms, the Māwhera Pa celebrates mātauranga (knowledge) and manaakitanga (hospitality) of Poutini Ngāi Tahu (people of the West Coast). Centred upon their ancestral home and reborn for the generations to come, it is a place to meet, share and learn – so haere mai, welcome!

Step inside to be wowed by five themed storytelling whare (houses) flowing through a central ātea (open space). See contemporary, large scale-sculptures and stunning audio-visuals inspired by ancient traditions. Vibrant, dynamic and powerful, the stories unfold and envelop you – unforgettable tales of epic journeys, conquest, conflict and kinship.

Tāhuhu kōrero, History

Hear the legend of Tu-Te-Raki Whanoa who ventured across the oceans in search of his lost brothers, and created a habitable land. Stand before him, face to face, in a stunning recreation bordered by striking, carved panels.

Encounter the powerful leaders of Māwhera Pā, including Tūhuru – the great warrior chief who can be seen resting at the water’s edge after a battle.

Pounamu, Greenstone

Learn about pounamu, Aotearoa’s most treasured gemstone prized both for its strength and beauty. Discovered by Ngāhue, one of the first explorers to these shores. Fashioned into the tools used to carve the first ocean fleets.

Much more than merely material for making tools and adornments. Within a few generations it was widely traded and found its way to the farthest parts of this land, and beyond.

See for yourself this precious stone that anchors the identity of the Poutini people. In turn it has inspired the Pounamu Pathway touring route that guides visitors along the length of the Coast.

Kainga, Village

As you journey through Māwhera Pā continues, get a glimpse into life of the ancient village. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of daily activities such as gardening, food gathering and cooking. Survey the ways of the master carvers and weavers, and enjoy the singing and storytelling so vital in preserving the whakapapa (family history) of Māori people throughout Aotearoa.

For Poutini Ngāi Tahu, life changed forever with the arrival of new settlers from across the oceans. In the final storytelling space, witness some of these seismic shifts – physical, political and cultural. And learn how Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi – New Zealand’s founding document – changed their world back then as it still does today.

Nau mai. Haere mai. Welcome to Māwhera Pā.