Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa took off on a New Zealand getaway which has turned into one of the most heartwarming travel stories of the year — and it’s not just about picturesque backdrops or couple goals. The duo recently immersed themselves in an unforgettable cultural journey through the heart of Māori traditions in Taupō, New Zealand.
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa embrace Māori traditions in New Zealand — from Haka to Hongi and more
The actors visited The Haka Shop, an authentic Māori cultural centre known for its immersive and respectful engagement with Aotearoa’s indigenous heritage. What followed was an experience rooted in the spirit of manaakitanga — the Māori concept of hospitality, kindness, generosity, and care.
Rajkummar and Patralekhaa were greeted with a powerful haka pōwhiri — the traditional Māori welcome ceremony. The couple, with open hearts and curious eyes, seemed visibly moved by the energy and warmth of the reception. Rajkummar was even invited to join the haka, to Patralekhaa’s delight, creating a beautiful moment of joy and cultural unity.
Their engagement didn’t stop there. From exchanging the hongi — a symbolic Māori greeting — with their hosts, to enjoying hearty laughs with performers and fellow guests, the couple fully embraced the experience. Their genuine smiles and attentive presence stood as a testament to cross-cultural connection and respect.
Later, the couple enjoyed a traditional hāngī meal — cooked in an earth oven using native methods and ingredients, capturing the true flavours and stories of the land.
As the day moved into evening, Rajkummar and Patralekhaa set sail on the serene waters of Lake Taupō. They admired the towering Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay — a 14-metre masterpiece telling the story of Ngātoroirangi, the legendary Polynesian navigator. The couple learned how master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell wove Celtic elements into the piece, symbolising the unique fusion of Māori and European cultures that define modern Aotearoa.
In a journey as soulful as it was scenic, Rajkummar and Patralekhaa’s Taupō experience stands out for its deep emotional resonance — one that celebrates learning, connection, and the beauty of embracing another culture with sincerity.
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