Isabella Thornton
Here’s everything you need to know about the MĀORI+ original series Top of the South Season 1 (2025) — including its premiere date, official streaming platform, the complete episode guide, cast lineup, and a detailed guide on how to watch it online from anywhere. Dive in to discover why this captivating New Zealand series is a must-watch for fans of authentic storytelling and cultural connection.
Top of the South (2025) Plot
Top of the South explores Māori life across the upper South Island, from Golden Bay to Marlborough Sounds. Each episode follows Māori leaders, artists, and community figures as they reconnect with their whakapapa (genealogy) and the natural world. The series showcases waka ama (canoe racing), weaving traditions, carving, and kai (food) customs, offering a window into how ancient wisdom thrives in modern Aotearoa. It captures powerful stories of resilience, healing, and community, highlighting the relationship between Māori and the land. The narrative flows from the Wairau Bar, one of New Zealand’s earliest settlement sites, to marae gatherings and sacred waters. Viewers are invited to witness how kaitiakitanga (guardianship) continues to guide these communities today.
When does Top of the South premiere?
Top of the South premiered on MĀORI+ on November 3, 2025, and is available to stream worldwide on the platform.
Cast:
- Keelan – Explores his roots by tracing ancestral footsteps at the Wairau Bar, bringing to life the connection between people and their heritage.
- Peter – Travels alongside Keelan, deepening the understanding of historical and cultural ties within the region.
- Hamuera – Shares his knowledge of weaving and colonisation at Rotomairewhenua and later reconnects Māori art with the world.
- Lee-Ann – Promotes indigenous wellness through waka ama, inspiring community participation and cultural pride.
- Todd – Joins Lee-Ann in revitalising traditional waka ama practices that unite Māori youth.
- Aneika – Introduces pou whenua at Abel Tasman, guiding viewers through landmarks of Māori identity.
- Barney, Marnie, Peter, Kerensa, Michael, and Hamuera – Explore whakapapa, land disputes, and kaitiakitanga, showcasing the collective guardianship over land and sea.
- Hawaiki Kura and Kiley – Lead wānanga that nurture family, tradition, and personal strength.
- Kahu, Ruihana, and Maia – Present marae life, carving, and art in Nelson, embodying Māori creativity and resilience.
- Raniera and Shannon – Emphasize mau rākau (weaponry) and kai traditions, preserving the depth of cultural practice.
How many episodes does Top of the South Season 1 have?
Top of the South Season 1 features six episodes.
Episode Guide:
- Episode 1: Golden Bay to Marlborough Sounds – Keelan and Peter retrace ancestral paths, Hamuera shares stories of weaving and colonisation, while Lee-Ann and Todd revive indigenous spirit through waka ama.
- Episode 2: Te Tauihu Connections – Aneika presents pou whenua at Abel Tasman. Barney, Marnie, Peter, Kerensa, Michael, and Hamuera discuss whakapapa, land, and environmental guardianship.
- Episode 3: Wānanga and Whakapapa – Hawaiki Kura leads a wānanga with Kiley and his daughters; Hamuera explores museum history, and the story ends in London as a sacred kete returns home.
- Episode 4: Voices of Te Āwhina Marae – Kahu reflects on community and mātauranga; Shannon’s He Kai Kei Aku Ringa, Roni’s carvings, and Maia’s art reveal Māori creativity in full expression.
- Episode 5: Healing and Heritage – Hamuera reflects on weaving knowledge; Kiley’s men’s wānanga, Marnie’s healing with horses, and Keelan’s sharing of the Crown’s apology create a deeply emotional chapter.
- Episode 6: Kaitiakitanga and Renewal – Kiley explores abundance and wellbeing, while Lee Mason, Margie, Shannon, and Raniera lead initiatives in sustainability, art, and cultural fusion.
Where to watch Top of the South in New Zealand
As of November 3, 2025, you can watch Top of the South exclusively on MĀORI+ in New Zealand, where it officially premiered as part of the platform’s growing collection of indigenous storytelling. The series is available to stream worldwide, but regional restrictions may apply depending on your location.
Is there a official way to watch Top of the South season 1 online for free?
Yes, you can watch Top of the South on MĀORI+ for free worldwide through the official streaming platform. The service allows viewers across the globe to enjoy this inspiring Māori series without any subscription fees. Simply visit maoriplus.co.nz or download the MĀORI+ app to start streaming instantly.
Devices You Can Use to Watch MĀORI+
| Device Type | Supported Platforms | How to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphones & Tablets | iOS 15 or later, Android 10 or above | Download the MĀORI+ app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) to stream directly on your mobile device. |
| Computers (Desktop & Laptop) | Windows 10+, macOS, Linux | Visit the official maoriplus.co.nz website using web browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. |
| Smart TVs | Android TV (OS 10+), Google TV, Apple TV (tvOS 15+) | Install the MĀORI+ app from your TV’s app store and sign in to start watching. |
| Streaming Devices | Chromecast, AirPlay | Cast content directly from the MĀORI+ mobile app to your TV using Chromecast or AirPlay. |
| Gaming Consoles (via Browser) | PlayStation, Xbox Series X/S | Open the built-in web browser and visit maoriplus.co.nz to stream directly. |
FAQs
- What’s the setting and main theme of Top of the South?
The series is set in the upper South Island of New Zealand, exploring the lives of communities from Golden Bay to Marlborough Sounds, their ancestral ties, land and sea traditions, weaving, waka ama, and cultural renewal. - Why is the cultural context important in Top of the South?
Because the series centres on the concept of whakapapa (genealogy), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and connection to land and sea — making culture not just background but core to each narrative. - Is Top of the South suitable for all ages?
Yes — while the themes are deep and meaningful, the series is accessible and respectful, making it suitable for viewers interested in culture, travel, heritage and storytelling.
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