Cup visitors are keen for taste of Maori culture

Rugby World Cup visitors to Wanganui will have a chance to paddle on a piece of cinematic history - the 20-man waka used in the New Zealand film River Queen.

Spirit of the River tour operators Brent and Claire Firmin said three groups from the United States had already booked the waka between the Rugby World Cup dates.

Wanganui is the host city for the United States team during the cup.

"International visitors usually start coming in October and November, so the Rugby World Cup has really boosted numbers," Mr Firmin said.

Thirty Americans had booked tours, with more bookings expected closer to the World Cup.

"People really want to learn about Maori culture," Mr Firmin said.

"Wanganui has such rich Maori history. It's the perfect place to learn."

The Firmins are also organising marae stays at their family Pungarehu marae, as well as working with Koriniti and Hiruharama marae.

Wanganui was a very spiritual place, Mrs Firmin said.

"There are so many talented people on the Whanganui River.

"What they do for us is the way they live, it's authentic."

The Firmins were also liaising with local Wanganui artists for tourists who were already asking them about other activities in Wanganui during the World Cup.

Pakohe Quality Papers co-owner Marilyn Vreede, who is holding flax paper-making classes and putting on meals, said it was a chance to introduce visitors to Maori culture.

"The flax paper-making is just for people who are interested but, mainly, the lunches are to share Maori tikanga (protocol) with visitors.

"We'll take them on a tour of the flax, and talk about Maori heritage and anything they want to talk about," Ms Vreede said.

"We work with the local weavers and use their flax offcuts to make the paper. It's not huge. It's a home-based cottage business."