Tauranga Moana will burst onto the cultural tourism scene this Saturday with the launch of Te Whānau Tāpoi Māori ō Tauranga Moana – an incorporated society currently representing 14 Māori tourism operators who will collectively promote stories of the region.
The official ceremony, to be held at Waikorire (Pilot Bay) at the base of Mauao, will mark the start of the society's intentions to establish a cultural tourism footprint in Tauranga.
Dignitaries such as Associate Minister of Tourism Peeni Henare, Tauranga kaumātua and Tourism Bay of Plenty chief executive Kristin Dunne will speak to the society's importance at the launch, which will then be opened to the public to discover the new tourism experiences.
Spokesman Reon Tuanau said: "We've got experiences for anyone looking to learn more about Tauranga – via e-bike tour, stand-up paddleboard, healing retreat, Harley Davidson motorcycle and more!"
Tuanau said the society wanted to grow the offering, both in business numbers and public recognition of the undeniable reputation of Tauranga Moana as a culturally rich place of discovery.