Nohoanga provide all Ngāi Tahu with an opportunity to experience the landscape as their tipuna did, and to rekindle the traditional practices of gathering food and other natural resources.

The term ‘nohoanga’ (literally meaning a place to sit) traditionally refers to the seasonal occupation sites which were an integral part of the mobile lifestyle of Ngāi Tahu whānui as they moved around Te Waipounamu in pursuit of food and other natural resources.

This traditional concept has been given contemporary effect as a result of the Settlement of the Ngāi Tahu Claim through the allocation of specific ‘camping’ sites to support mahinga kai activities.

Under the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998, nohoanga sites are specific areas of Crown owned land adjacent to lakeshores or riverbanks, which can be used to facilitate the gathering of food and other natural resources by Ngāi Tahu whānui. They are usually one hectare in size.

Ngāi Tahu whānui have temporary but exclusive rights to occupy these sites between the middle of August and the end of April each year.

There are 72 allocated nohoanga sites within Te Waipounamu (the South Island). Not all of these sites are available for use. Please contact 0800 NOHOANGA (0800 664-62642), [email protected], or visit our website www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz for more information.

Procedure for Use of Nohoanga

Nohoanga are for the exclusive use of Ngāi Tahu Whänui. For fairness and environmental reasons, the use of nohoanga sites is by authorisation only, and administered by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. See below for procedure for authorisation.

  • Contact Sophie McGregor on 0800 NOHOANGA (0800 664-62642) or [email protected] at least 10 working days before you wish to use a nohoanga site;
  • Provide basic details (name, address, contact numbers, vehicle registration number, and number of people you wish to take etc). Please note — random checks will be done to ensure that those applying for the authorisation are entitled to do so and that any past use has been consistent with the conditions of the authorisation.
  • If the site is available you will be sent an authorisation (by post, fax or e-mail) before you leave for the nohoanga site; then
  • Return the authorisation back to us within 10 days (signed and with the relevant sections completed) following your departure from the nohoanga site.

Sites Available for Use from Mid-August 2016

  • Lake Kaniere, West Coast
  • Waima (Ure) River, Marlborough
  • Hapuku River, Kaikōura
  • Waiau-ua River, Kaikōura
  • Waipara River [Township], North Canterbury
  • Whakarukumoana (Lake McGregor), South Canterbury
  • Lake Pūkaki, South Canterbury
  • Ahuriri River, South Canterbury
  • Lake Hawea [Adj Camp Ground]
  • Lake Hawea – Timaru Creek
  • Waianakarua (Glencoe Reserve), Otago
  • Waikaia River [Piano Flat], Southland

Please contact 0800 NOHOANGA (0800 66462642), [email protected], or visit our website www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz/environment/nohoanga/ for more information about nohoanga and sites available for use this summer.