• Mount Maunganui - As we drive by, your local tribal guide will share ancient tales of our renowned ancestral mountain, Mount Maunganui. You’ll admire the stunning beaches as we head to Tauranga, just a short 20-minute drive away.

• Tauranga - Discover the ancient Māori navigational compass and listen to stories of our Māori ancestors’ arrival in 925AD. Learn about their origins and their settlement in Aotearoa.

• Gate Pa Memorial Reserve - We’ll guide you through the site of one of the most significant battles between colonial troops and local Māori tribes in 1864. Discover the carvings, the conflict, and its impact on Tauranga and the surrounding area. Understand how this conflict connected to future global conflicts.

• Tauranga Crossing - Lunch is served. Savor the taste of an iconic New Zealand pie, renowned for winning the best pie awards for many years. Patrick’s Pies has claimed the Bakers New Zealand Supreme Pie Award almost every year since 2011. If pies aren’t your preference, they offer a variety of excellent bakery foods to choose from.

• Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village - After traveling through forests to Rotorua, you’ll arrive at the thermal valley to experience stories and cultural performances by our internationally recognized Māori cultural group.

• Tahuwhakatiki Marae - Visit a local traditional marae where you’ll be immersed in local traditions, connections, and stories. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the history and sense of community within the local Māori culture.

• Bottled water
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Local Māori Guide
• All fees and/or taxes

The hosts are a Māori family business, deeply rooted in the heritage of the Tauranga and Bay of Plenty tribes. With educational backgrounds both internationally and in Aotearoa (NZ), their experiences are grounded in real-life encounters and are designed to enhance learning outcomes across different cultures.

The authentic Māori guide is a storyteller, ready to lead you on a cultural discovery journey, connecting you with culturally significant sites, stories, and ancient tribal customs. Feel the presence of ancestors as the journey takes you back to 925 AD.

This is not just a glimpse into the culture; it’s a full immersion.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In a small van group, the warm, friendly, and knowledgeable guide will ensure you feel like part of the family by the end of the journey. This tour will provide a profound understanding and appreciation of the history. It is a delightful day of conversation, reflection, and learning.

A minimum of four guests is required for this tour to proceed.

• Travel time is included on the total tour duration.
• Could be challenging for those who find walking for 20 minutes or more

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.