Manutuke: Marae History and Wine Experience

Manutuke combines a distinctive cultural history with a hands-on wine experience. At Manutūkē Marae stands the wharenui Te Poho o Rukupō, one of the oldest meeting houses in Tāranga; at Wrights Vineyard and Winery, you can plan a tour of the winery and vineyards, with tastings from tanks and barrels, which must be booked in advance. If you’re looking for accommodation in Manutuke, you can plan your trip around whether the town’s historical stories or a guided winery visit should be the main focus.

Wharenui and Remembrance

The wharenui Te Poho o Rukupō at Manutūkē Marae is one of the oldest meeting houses in Tāranga. It was extensively restored in the 1980s under the direction of Cliff Whiting. Its status as one of the oldest meeting houses and its later restoration are two distinct historical points of reference.

The wharenui Te Poho o Hinehou has a history of its own. Shortly before the First World War, it was moved to Manutuke Marae and converted into a dining hall. During or immediately after the Second World War, it was renamed Maori Battalion Hall and became the focal point of Rongowhakaata’s Anzac Day commemorations. The two wharenui thus represent different chapters: Te Poho o Rukupō is associated with a restoration in the 1980s, while Te Poho o Hinehou is defined by its relocation, change of use and commemorative role.

Three rolls of honour are on display in Maori Battalion Hall. The First World War roll of honour, “Rarangi Onga Hoia Maori O Te Ropu O Turanga”, lists 13 Māori soldiers from the Gisborne area who died in service, as well as 89 soldiers who served. The Second World War roll of honour, “Te Rarangi Ingoa Hoia Te Ropu O Manutuke”, names nine soldiers from the Manutuke area who died in service and 48 soldiers who served. The two rolls therefore relate to different geographical areas: the first refers to the Gisborne area, the second to Manutuke. They also both distinguish between those who died in service and those who served.

Plan Your Winery Visit in Advance

Wrights Vineyard and Winery’s winery and café are located in the Manutuke Appellation – Coastal Vineyard. The cellar door in Manutuke offers a tour of the winery and vineyards, with tastings from tanks and barrels; advance booking is required.

This gives you a clear distinction to consider when planning your trip: the winery offers a specific tour that must be booked in advance, while the history of the Marae and remembrance provides a separate cultural focus. The wider Gisborne District’s natural scenery also includes Gray’s Bush Scenic Reserve. Its marked, wheelchair-accessible loop takes 15 to 20 minutes; the reserve preserves the only remaining example in the Gisborne Plains of the nationally rare Kahikatea-Puriri forest type. Check track conditions and accessibility before your visit.

For the wider trip overview: Gisborne.