Welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Kiora!

Imagine the surprise of tropical Polynesian voyagers when they reached the cool, sometimes snowy, lands of Aotearoa (New Zealand). "Land of the long white cloud", as the Polynesians called this group, has a flora and fauna that is unique in Polynesia. Many traditional staples, like breadfruit and banana could not survive the cold climate and sweet potato became a favorite crop.

This was one of the last places to be settled in Polynesia --- as late as 1,000 AD. Why? Aotearoa was a hard place to reach. Explorers from places to the north, like the Cook Islands or Tahiti, faced frequently stormy conditions and unpredictable winds of variable strength and direction.

At this island station learn about "indicator species", animals and plants that mark time periods or events, such as the arrival of people.
Welcome to Tonga
Upstairs Gallery of the Hawai`iloa Exhibit

Back to the Hawai'iloa page
Back to the Past Exhibits Page
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Revised on August 29, 1996 by mcb