Maori Haka Dance Types

Whakatu Waewae

This Haka involves the warriors standing with a straight back and stamping their feet on the ground. No weapons are in this dance. This Haka was particularly performed by the Tuhoe people who were set on the eastern end of the North Island of New Zealand.

Tutu Ngarahu

This Haka involved side to side jumping and done before battle. The performance involved the war party holding weapons.

Peruperu

This Haka was a true war dance traditionally performed while facing the enemy. Its purpose was to intimidate and demoralize the enemy. The war party held weapons during the performance. This dance features unified leaps.

Ngeri

The purpose of this Haka was to motivate warriors; to "summon up the blood". This haka had know specific movements so the warriors just let out what they felt inside through their actions and words.

Manawa wera

Mainly associated with death and funerals this Haka involved no weapons. The dancers had freedom of expression in the moves which were not planned.