You can’t just walk onto a marae, you need to be welcomed on by one of its members. Plus every marae has its own kawa (protocols) and tikanga (rules). Usually at the conclusion of the welcoming you should hariru (shake hands) and hongi (press noses).
The welcoming I received on Motiti island was even more intense than the one in Rotorua. I think this had to do also with the scenery and the atmosphere of the island.
Taken at: Motiti Island