Te Reo Māori: Useful Words for Visitors
Here are some common Māori words you may hear while travelling around Aotearoa New Zealand, especially during cultural experiences and tours.
Kia ora
Hello, thank you, cheers
Haere mai
Welcome, come in
Ka kite
See you later
Morena
Good Morning
Whānau
Family, extended family
Kai
Food
Aroha
Love, compassion, empathy
Aotearoa
New Zealand
Ōtautahi
Christchurch
Marae
Traditional Māori meeting place
Mahi
Work or Activity
Wharenui
Meeting house
Pōwhiri
Formal welcome ceremony
Karakia
Prayer or blessing
Waiata
Song
Manaakitanga
Hospitality, care and respect for others
Kaitiakitanga
Guardianship and care for the environment
Moana
Ocean, sea
Mana
Great Presence
Awa
River
Whenua
Land, country
A quick pronunciation tip
Māori vowels are pronounced consistently: a as in father, e as in bed, i as in see, o as in more, and u as in food.
The wh sound is often pronounced like an “f”, and ng is like the sound in “sing”.