Spiritual Places in Oceania
The Australasia and South Pacific region is somewhat lacking in spiritual places to visit. There are some aboriginal sacred sites in Australia, in particular Uluru National Park, which is home to Ayers Rock and a plethora of Aboriginal art and heritage.
New Zealand has some native Maori sites including Mount Taranaki and Mount Maunganui. Ha’amonga ‘a Mau’i Historic Park in Tonga has some amazing stone structures built in the 9th century during the Tu’i Tonga Empire.
Uluru, Australia: Also know as Ayers Rock, this area in the heart of Australia has significant and sacred ties for the Aboriginal people. The area is a national park and attracts thousands of visitors year round.
Mount Taranaki, New Zealand: Mount Taranaki is positioned on the west coast of the north island of New Zealand. The area has a deep native heritage, and according to Maori mythology, the volcanic mountain moved from the middle of the island to its current location after a battle with the other volcanic mountains in the region.
Baha’i Temple, Samoa: Located in the city of Apia on the Upolu island of Samoa, the Baha’i Temple is also known as the ‘Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands’. The temple exercises interfaith activity, which welcomes all creeds of people to worship God. The design and architecture has captured the islands unique indigenous style and history.
Ha’amonga ‘a Mau’i Historic Park, Tonga: The beautiful historic park, located in the east of Tonga, is the sacred and spiritual site of the Tu’i Tonga Empire. The name of the area comes from the famous Polynesia god, Maui. Many stone structures on the site still remain from the 9th century, which have been aligned with stars and sun patterns.
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand: Located on the north island of New Zealand in the ‘Bay of Plenty,’ Mount Maunganui is a popular destination which is rich with native Maori history, heritage and folk legend.