The Māori arrived in New Zealand (Aotearoa) in several waves of ocean-going canoe voyages from East Polynesia, with the main settlement period occurring between the early to mid-13th century. Current research narrows the initial settlement in the North Island to between AD 1250 and AD 1275, while the South Island was reached shortly after, around AD 1280-1295. Māori oral traditions and archaeological evidence both support this timeline, with ancestors arriving on large canoes from their Polynesian homeland called Hawaiki. The early settlers began hunting native birds like moa and established their culture, which developed distinct characteristics over time. In summary:
- Māori settlement in the North Island: approximately AD 1250–1275
- South Island settlement: approximately AD 1280–1295
- Settlement came from Polynesian ancestors originating from Hawaiki
- Arrival was by several ocean-going waka (canoes) in planned migrations
This timeline refines earlier broad estimates of 12th to 14th centuries and is based on recent radiocarbon dating studies and archaeological findings.