A world of rich and wonderful experiences sits right under our noses – deepen your connection to Māoritanga with excursions that give meaningful insight into te ao Māori.
As Kiwis, it's easy to take for granted the rich cultural heritage that surrounds us in Aotearoa. But there is so much that many of us haven't seen, experienced or done that will help us to fully appreciate the unique culture and heritage of our motu. Delving into Māoritanga through these enriching experiences is fun and also rewarding in broadening our individual world view. So forget what you think you know and prepare to unearth incredible experiences that will delight as much as educate.
Te Wharewaka o Poōneke Tours - City to Sea Tour
Uncover the hidden treasures of our capital with a City to Sea Tour – you'll rediscover Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington Harbour, from a whole new perspective. You will hear the stories of the harbour's two taniwha, and you'll also discover the connection between Te Raukura and the explorer Kupe, and delve deeper into Māori culture in Wellington.
From $30 per person. Visit Walking Tours on wharewakatours.maori.nz to find out more.
Click on the symbols to uncover deals:
Footprints Waipoua Twilight Encounter
Learn about the connection between the tangata whenua and our land on a stunning twilight tour with Footprints Waipoua. Marvel at the ancient kauri, some of which are the oldest and largest known in the world and enrich your understanding of the relationship that Māori have with these sentinels as you are treated to a spine-tingling experience.
From $105 per person. Visit Tours on footprintswaipoua.co.nz to find out more.
Waka on Avon
You may have been punting on Christchurch's Ōtākaro Avon river in the past – but be prepared to experience this iconic part of New Zealand anew with a waka trip. Your guide will take you on an exploration through time with stories handed down through generations of Ngāi Tahu whanau about the earliest colonial settlers, the importance of the waka to Māori culture and the mutual building of the city we know as Christchurch today.
From $55 per person. Visit wakaonavon.co.nz
Hell's Gate Experience
Get hands on with Rotorua's bubbling mud at Hell's Gate. Take part in a guided geothermal walk and try your hand at traditional carvings, before indulging in the geothermal mud and mineral rich sulphur waters with healing properties that local Māori have been harnessing for centuries. An unforgettable experience.
From $99 per person. Visit hellsgate.co.nz to find out more.
Kaitiaki Adventures - Mt Tarawera
The might and majesty of Te Maunga ō Tarawera truly comes to life on a guided walk of this very special mountain overlooking Rotorua. The maunga is the spiritual home of Ngati Rangitihi iwi and is revered by locals, who will share its sacred significance and the historic events etched into its landscape.
From $185 per person. Visit Mt Tarawera on kaitiaki.co.nz to find out more.
Te Puia - Geyser by night
Three kilometres of New Zealand's most magnificent geothermal wonderlands in Rotorua are yours to behold under the stars, on a night trail of dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and beautiful native bush. It's a multi-sensory experience unlike anything else in the world, made even more special by the stories of the past, and the beauty of Pōhutu, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, as seen under the stars.
Family Pass from $119. Visit tepuia.com to find out more.
Whaka E-bike Trail
Take in the stunning sights of bubbling geysers, the dazzling shades of hot spring lakes and pools, and onto Rotorua's majestic Redwood Forest, on an e-bike trail with Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village. Perfect for the whole family and all fitness levels, you can even pre-book a picnic hamper or bring your own to enjoy when you stop and appreciate this unique setting in Aotearoa.
From $49 per person. Visit whakarewarewa.com to find out more.
For more inspiration around how to engage with cultural experiences around the motu, go to newzealand.com/nz. Before starting your adventure, please check current traffic light settings and adhere to the Government guidance provided at covid19.govt.nz.