Ngai Tahu holds its second culture festival this weekend on a tribally-owned property on one of the ancient pounamu trails to the West Coast.
Organiser Tracey Tawha says Southland's Te Koawa Turoa o Takitimu, also known as Blackmount Valley, was the way the tipuna travelled between Murihiku settlements such as the Riverton area to Piopiotahi, the Milford Sound.
As it is only 20 minutes from Manapouri and Te Anau, she says it seemed an ideal venue to bring the iwi together.
Waatea News reports the festival includes kapa haka, bands, sport, artistic and culinary displays.
