The latest film from New Zealand, Whale Rider, doesn�t feature hobbits, nor is there the slightest mention of a piano, but the essence of the Land of the Long White Cloud is captured in a charming and deeply moving way.

In a small village on the east coast of the North Island, Maori claim descent from the legend of Paikea, the Whale Rider. When twins are born and the male twin tragically dies, the chief is unable to accept his granddaughter, Pai, as the future leader. Set on the untouched East Cape with its beautiful long sandy beaches, the film describes Pai�s struggle to prove herself within the Ngati Porau tribe. A wonderful showcase for the relatively unknown Eastland region, the film is also a touching portrait of Maori culture.

To tie in with the nationwide release of the film on July 11th and the interest in Maori culture that is expected to follow, a selection of the best Maori product currently available in New Zealand follows below:

Maori Treasures, Wellington Maori Treasures is a studio-gallery located in a living Maori tribal settlement just 20 minutes from downtown Wellington dedicated to continuing traditions of Maori arts heritage. Here you�ll watch artists at work and learn decorative techniques from New Zealand�s most famous Maori artist families, the Hetet Whanau, in a two-hour tour. Cost: NZ$45 per person (approx. �17) Tour times: Monday to Friday 10am and 1.30pm. To make a booking contact: info@maoritreasures.com or visit: www.maoritreasures.com

Ulva�s Guided Walks, Ulva Island, off Stewart Island, Southland Maori eco/nature guide Ulva Amos is a direct descendant of the first people to inhabit Ulva Island. A predator-free island off Rakiura, Stewart Island, accessible by water taxi, her tours follow easy walking tracks in the beautiful native forest. As mana whenua (guardian of the land through ancestral links), Ulva presents a welcoming warmth and connects the visitor with the spiritual heritage of the island, along with its cultural and conservation values. Contact Ulva for details at: info@ulva.co.nz or visit: www.ulva.co.nz

Taiamai Tours, Northland Taiamai Tours, based in Kaikohe, Northland, North Island, offers an authentic, personalised tour hosted by members of the Ngapuhi tribe. Each tour can be tailor-made for individuals or larger groups, and includes recollections of tribal history, explanations of Maori heritage, as well as performance and dance. Taiamai specialises in a Maori tour of the historic site of Waitangi, with the Ngaphui interpretation of the first contact with Europeans, that differs widely from the traditional version..! For more information, search under Taiamai at www.TaiTokerau.co.nz or contact Hone Mihaka at taiamaitours@xtra.co.nz.

Long Island Tours, Hawke�s Bay A unique venture between local operator Brigit Ormond and the indigenous Maori population of the Hawke�s Bay region, Long Island Tours takes visitors deep into the native bush to experience the Maori culture and history of the area. Travelling by horseback, kayak, boat or on foot across farmland, along beaches, down rivers or in the native bush, typical tours might include a day fly-fishing on private farmland, exploring primeval bush or listening to a local Kaumatua (elder) quietly telling you of the history, culture and the experiences of his family and his land. There�s also the opportunity to visit modern and traditional artists to understand their lives, materials and philosophies. Tours start at NZ$105/hour (approx. �39). Visit: www.longislandtoursnz.com

4WD Waka, Taranaki A Maori cultural eco-experience! Paddle a 12-metre waka (Maori canoe), drive a 4WD Suzuki Escudo or ride a Suzuki Quad Bike through native bush. Inter-car communication allows for instruction and historical commentary from guides, including information on the Taranaki Land Wars and instruction on Maori culture, language and protocol. The trip departs daily at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm. Prices start at NZ$80 (approx. �30) for a one-hour cultural waka voyage. More info at: www.4wdwaka.com

Orakei Korako � Cave and Thermal Park, nr. Taupo Orakei Korako, which means, �The place of Adorning� has remained almost completely unchanged for thousands of years, preserved by its isolation from the outside world. Accessed only by ferry, walkways take visitors past silica terraces, close to boiling pools, unpredictable geysers through native bush and into an extremely rare geothermal cave. Situated 25 minutes north of Taupo, Orakei Korako is described as the most picturesque geothermal area in New Zealand. See more at: www.orakeikorako.co.nz

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For further information on Maori tourism ventures, visit: www.newzealand.com or contact: Donna Lewis/Susie Tempest, The Saltmarsh Partnership, tel: 020 7928 1600 or email: donna@saltmarshpr.co.uk