Tribal Areas of New Zealand

New Zealand is home to many Maori tribes. According to various sources, Maori (indigenous people of New Zealand) are a mixture of Polynesian cultures. They most likely originated from the native people of Taiwan. Maori are thought to have arrived in New Zealand over 1,000 years ago. In other parts of the world, Maori are known for their facial tattoos and dances (haka). Before the British came to New Zealand, the Maori lived in small groups similar to the word we know as tribes. In Maori, these are called iwi. The direct translation of iwi to English is “people” or “nation”. The tribe is the largest unit of Maori groups. Several extended families make up a “hapu” while several hapu (sub-tribes) make a complete tribe. The four largest Maori tribes are Ngapuhi, Ngati Porou, Ngai Tahu and Waikato (according to a 2013 study). There are over 100 tribes in New Zealand with each having unique stories of their formation. Below, you will find out more about a few of the most famous ones. Scroll to the bottom to find a map of the tribal areas in New Zealand.

Ngāti Kahungunu

This is the 3rd largest tribe in New Zealand. This tribe claims descent from the earliest known settlers of the region. The tribe is also the largest in Hawkes Bay.

Ngāi Tahu

This tribe covers a large amount of area in the South Island of New Zealand. It was descended from Tahu Potiki.

Ngāpuhi

This is the largest tribe in New Zealand and is considered to be the tribe which marks the start of the relationship between Maori and Europeans.

Waikato

This tribe descended from Maori who journeyed in the Tainui waka (a waka is a canoe).

Ngāti Porou

This tribe is the second largest by population and is located in the North Island of New Zealand.

Map Of Tribes in New Zealand