Maori tourism firms in Otago and Southland are looking to extend an indigenous welcome to cruise ship passengers.
The Maori Tourism Council has told operators that modern travellers expect more Maori culture during their visit to Aotearoa.
It says people want to hear stories and be part of something, rather than just watching and buying souvenirs.
The Southern Maori Business Network, which has 18 members in the tourism sector, is working on ways of being more relevant as the tourism market develops.
Network chairperson Richard Kerr-Bell says they want to tell the Maori story to visitors.
One suggestion is a haka display to welcome visitors arriving in Port Chalmers on cruise ships.
