Connect as you walk

The rebuild has seen the stories of mana whenua woven into Ōtautahi Christchurch’s urban spaces, from carvings to architecture. They’re easy to discover for yourself with the Tūrangawaewae cultural tour, built in partnership with Matapopore Charitable Trust. By heading to ChristchurchNZ’s website, you can hear stories and find out more – even better, open it on your smartphone and listen as you discover.

MANA MOTUHAKE

Victoria Square, near Colombo andArmagh Streets

Begin in Victoria Square, where, at your feet, a pepeha (introduction) anchors the space to tangata whenua. Listen to the audio from Joseph Hullen to bring this moment alive. Nearby, the statue of Queen Victoria is now flanked by the Mana Motuhake sculptures: powerful declarations of Māori autonomy.

WHĀRIKI: POU RIRI E IWA, TAI WAIORA & MAHINGA KAI

Victoria Square and Armagh Street

Continue through Victoria Square and discover three whāriki – woven mat-inspired patterns laid in stone. Pou Riri e Iwa represents the strength of tall trees and collective thought: the idea of being “of one heart and one mind.” Tai Waiora shows the life-sustaining confluence of waters, while Mahinga Kai, closer to Colombo Street, honours the rights of gathering food and resources.

KANAKANA TABLE

Victoria Square (opposite Town Hall)

Pause at the Kanakana Table, created for whānau to gather and share kai. Its form and purpose recall the kanakana (lamprey), a traditional food source significant to Ngāi Tūāhuriri.

 WHĀRIKI: WHAKAHONOTANGA

Ōtākaro Avon River near Colombo-Manchester pedestrian bridge

As you follow the river, watch the ground. The mirrored patterns of Whakahonotanga signify mutual recognition, connection, and the joining of whenu (strips of harakeke) to lengthen the whāriki of shared experience.

WHĀRIKI: TE EWEEWE O TE ONO, KI UTA KI TAI

Ōtākaro Promenade, opposite the Band Rotunda

This whāriki speaks to whakapapa and territory. From the Southern Alps (Ki Uta) to the Canterbury coast (Ki Tai), the design celebrates the six hapū that make up the wider Ngāi Tahu whānau of this region.

WHĀRIKI: TE RAU AROHA KI TE TANGATA

Margaret Mahy Playground

In this vibrant playground lies a whāriki honouring tamariki (children). Swing beams are mirrored in Pou Manu designs, while Rau Rongoā symbols offer healing. Ahikā, the fires of occupation and home, remind us that care, play, and legacy are deeply intertwined.

TE PAE

Convention Centre and Avon Promenade

Peer through the foyer windows at Te Pae to see Hana, a sculpture of koru-shaped chandeliers – 11,000 beads illuminating whakapapa and welcome. Etched into the paving outside is Piripiri Takitahi, depicting hongi, the pressing of noses and sharing of breath. Nearby, the white curves of Te Aika rise in welcome. Designed by Simon Kaan and Rachael Rakena, this ceremonial entrance honours Te ahi kā – the home fires. It invites all who pass through to honour the mana of Ngāi Tūāhuriri.

TŪRANGA

Colombo Street and Gloucester Street

The central library’s architecture is shaped by mātauranga mana whenua, with integrated artworks throughout. Outside, the Tūhura mural tells of Paikea’s whale ride – an epic of migration and belonging. Inside, Ngā Iho o te Rangi rises through the atrium, while Wāhui Whatu, a sculpture, honours the resources used by Māori long before pounamu.

WHĀRIKI ALONG THE AVON

Ōtākaro Promenade

As you walk the river’s edge, more whāriki unfold: Huinga Hau Pīpī (Worcester Boulevard Bridge) honours whaikōrero and the shining cuckoo. Pūtake Aronga (Oxford Terrace) represents whānau and purpose in speech and waiata. Maumahara (Bridge of Remembrance) marks sacrifice, remembrance, and the soul’s journey. Kahataioreore (Cambridge Terrace) depicts whakapapa and intergenerational learning. Kāranga Wairua (near Montreal Street) echoes the karanga, the spiritual call of welcome led by wāhine.

PITA TE HORI CENTRE

Corner of Cashel Street and Cambridge Terrace

Stop by the Pita Te Hori Centre, where rain gardens bloom with the principle of kaitiakitanga – guardianship of the earth and its waters.

WHĀRIKI: KĀRANGA WAIRUA AND PAE PAE POUNAMU

Ōtākaro Avon River Promenade, near Montreal Street

Experience the spiritual call of welcome. This woven artwork honours the poupou karanga – respected wāhine who call to greet manuhiri (visitors) onto the papa kāinga (home ground). The top and bottom patterns represent the exchange of voices between host and visitor. The middle patterns reflect irirangi – the spiritual vibrations of the karanga (call). The Pae Pae Pounamu whāriki celebrates the mana of wāhine and the tradition of karanga.

MŌKIHI 

Ōtākaro Avon River, Health Precinct

This sculpture reflects mōkihi – traditional reed rafts once used to navigate Canterbury’s braided rivers. It honours ancestral connections to water and the enduring relationship between people, place, and river.

For the full guide and access to audio tracks, head to christchurchnz.com.