From 14 – 20 September 2025, Aotearoa celebrates Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week. It’s a special time to honour te reo, share it with others, and weave it into our everyday experiences.
Here at Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park in Rotorua, we’re proud to support te reo Māori and thought it would be fun to connect it with something close to our hearts – camping and holidays!
So, whether you’re setting up your tēneti (tent), relaxing with your whānau (family), or firing up the rorerore (barbeque), here are some camping-related words and phrases in te reo Māori to try out during your stay.
Everyday Camping Words
- Taupaepae – Reception
- Pahikara – Bike
- Tēneti – Tent
- Tūru puni – Camping chairs
- Wākona – Caravan
- Kīhini – Kitchen
- Whare paku – Toilets
- Rūma horoi kākahu – Laundry
- Kōpuha – Cabin
- Mōtēra – Motel
Example sentences:
- Kei te taupaepae ngā kī. – The keys are at reception.
- Ka eke au i taku pahikara ki te moana iti. – I’ll ride my bike to the lake.
- Kia tere, whakatū te tēneti! – Quick, put up the tent!
Fun & Relaxation
- Pārekareka – Fun
- Puni – Camping
- Hoa – Friends
- Whānau – Family
- Tamariki – Children
- Kurī – Dog
- Rorerore – Barbeque
- Hōpua – Swimming pool
- Papa tākaro – Playground
- Tarapekepeke – Jumping pillow
- Rūma kēmu – Games room
- Rūma pouaka whakaata – TV Room
- Puna korohuhū – Spa
- Hararei – Holiday
- Rā – Sun
Example sentences:
- He pārekareka te puni i konei! – Camping here is fun!
- Kei te rorerore a Pāpā i te ahiahi. – Dad is at the barbeque tonight.
- Ka tākaro ngā tamariki i te papa tākaro. – The children are playing at the playground.
At the Lake / Outdoors
- Moana iti – Lake
- Ngahere – Forest / Bush
- Hīkoi – Walk / Hike
- Ngahau wai – Water activities
- Hī ika – Fishing
- Waka ama – Outrigger canoe
- Kauhoe – Swimming
- Tīmata ahi – Campfire
Example sentences:
- Haere tātou ki te moana iti! – Let’s go to the lake!
- Ka hīkoi mātou i te ngahere. – We’re going for a walk in the forest.
- Kei te hī ika a Koro i te ata. – Grandpa is fishing in the morning.
Camping Gear & Activities
- Mōwhiti – Torch / Flashlight
- Pepa mahana – Sleeping bag
- Pēke – Bag / Backpack
- Whāriki moe – Sleeping mat
- Ahi – Fire
- Kai – Food
- Whata kai – Picnic table
- Tūru papa – Picnic blanket
- Kōpae kēmu – Board games
- Kāmera – Camera
Example sentences:
- Homai te mōwhiti! – Pass me the torch!
- Kei roto taku pepa mahana i te tēneti. – My sleeping bag is inside the tent.
- E kai ana mātou i te whata kai. – We are eating at the picnic table.
Give it a go! Next time you’re here, why not try dropping a new kupu into your day? Say “Kei hea te whare paku?” (“Where are the toilets?”), or invite your kids with “Haere ki te papa tākaro!” (“Go to the playground!”).
By learning even a few words, you’re helping keep te reo Māori alive and thriving.
From all of us here at Blue Lake TOP 10, ngā mihi nui – we hope you have a fun and relaxing hararei (holiday) while celebrating Māori Language Week!