If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, or simply you want to immerse yourself into the Māori culture, here’s a selection of seven books I discovered and bought during my journey in NZ (so now my backpack is even heavier!)
Some I bought in the wonderful Unity bookstore in Auckland, others at the Waitangi Museum in Waitangi (North Island), while the last one was a lucky find—I stumbled upon it in a small shop while traveling through the South Island on my way to Milford Sound. The shop owner, a kind and welcoming woman, recommended it to me, saying I would find fascinating insights into Māori spirituality. And she was absolutely right!
I highly recommend pairing these books with my podcast episode on Travel with Ila, where I share my experience visiting sacred Māori sites and reflect on this fascinating culture, as well as speaking about the Waitangi Day.
1. Tikanga Whakaaro – Cleve Barlow
A fundamental book for anyone wanting to understand the key concepts of Māori culture. Tikanga means “custom” or “tradition,” and this guide explains the values, practices, and philosophy of Māori life in a simple and accessible way. This book is quite rare, with only a few copies still available, making it a bit more expensive than others. it’s in a bilingual format: It’s written in both English and Māori, making it a fantastic resource for those interested in learning the Māori language alongside cultural concepts. If you’re intrigued by the idea of reading in both languages, this is a must-have!
2. Whaea Blue – Talia Marshall
A novel blending poetry and narrative, telling the stories of Māori women across generations. An intense and deeply moving book that explores identity and belonging in a changing world.
3. Bird Child & Other Stories – Patricia Grace
I discovered this book thanks to a wonderful conversation with a young woman working at the bookstore. We spent half an hour discussing Māori culture, what happened to it over time, and how the Māori people have managed to rebuild and reclaim what was lost. She highly recommended Patricia Grace, telling me that she is one of the most renowned Māori authors. Her stories beautifully capture life, dreams, and the struggles of Māori communities. Her writing is deeply evocative, transporting you straight into the heart of New Zealand’s indigenous culture.
4. Tīhauia: A Karanga to My Mother – Merenia Gray
An intimate and touching work in which the author shares her relationship with her mother through the lens of Māori culture. This book explores family, memory, and the passing down of knowledge. (I still have to finish to read it all!)
5. Aroha – Dr. Hinemoa Elder
This book is particularly special; I found it completely by chance in a small shop in the South Island when I stopped for a coffee while heading toward Milford Sound. The bookstore owner, a woman,she enthusiastically recommended it, saying: “If you want to understand the spirit of this land, this book is for you.” So, I couldn’t resist buying it, even though I had promised myself not to buy any more books because of the weight of my backpack! She was absolutely right. Aroha is a guide to well-being based on Māori principles, offering reflections on how to apply ancestral wisdom to modern life. If you’re interested in Māori spirituality in a practical and inspiring way, this book is perfect for you.
6. Kia Mau: Resisting Colonial Fictions – Tina Ngata
A powerful and thought-provoking book that discusses indigenous resistance and the fight against colonial narratives. It’s an essential read for those who want to explore the political and social issues surrounding Māori rights.
7. Understanding Te Tiriti – Roimata Smail
If you want to understand New Zealand’s history and the Treaty of Waitangi, this is the perfect book. Written in a clear and accessible way, it explains the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the foundational document that shaped the relationship between the Māori and British settlers.
I encourage you to take your time with these books and let yourself be inspired by Māori wisdom. If you’ve read any of them—or if you have other recommendations—let me know in the comments!
And don’t forget to listen to my Travel with Ila podcast episode on Māori culture for an even deeper dive into this fascinating world.
🎧 Listen now on:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Happy reading and happy travels!
