Tauranga Māori Cultural Tour
4.9
13 Ratings
Mount Maunganui
Join our Tauranga Māori Cultural Tour for an immersive journey through ancient tribal customs, significant sites, and captivating stories. Experience history firsthand.
Duration: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Mount Maunganui - As we drive by your local tribal guide will tell you ancient stories of our well known ancestral mountain, Mount Maunganui.. You will take in the beauty of the beaches as we make our way to Tauranga, a short 20 minute drive.

  • Tauranga - Learn about the arrival of Kupe in 925AD, the first known Polynesian explorer to arrive in Aotearoa (NZ) from our historic homeland of Hawaiiki. You will experience the example of a Polynesian compass (Te Kāpehu) that he used for navigation to these shores. This provided the navigational blueprint for our ancestors arrival in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

  • Otamataha Pa - A short 10 minute drive will take you on a journey taking you back to the year 1828. The site of inter-tribal conflict, the arrival of settlers, missionries and the British colonial forces. It is here that you will learn of the local Māori tribes

  • The Elms - A chance to see the Mission House which has relevance for the conflict that was to follow. Situated there also is the oldest free standing library in New Zealand. We stop momentarily.

  • The Historic Village - A chance stroll through a village of buildings from the colonial days in Tauranga. Here you will have the opportunity to relax over a refreshing hot or cold drink and something to eat.

  • Gate Pa Memorial Reserve - We will walk you through the battle on the site of one of the most significant conflicts between the colonial troops and our local Māori tribes of 1864. Learn about the carvings, the conflict and what it meant to Tauranga and surrounding district. Learn about what came from this conflict that connected with future world conflicts.

  • Tahuwhakatiki Marae - Experience a local traditional marae where you will be immersed in the local traditions, connections and stories. You will leave having a greater understanding of the history of the local Māori culture and sense of community.

  • Summerhill Mountainbike Park - Awesome views of Tauranga Harbour and coastline from the surrounding hills

What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Travel Ed is a Māori whānau (family) operator, steeped in the ancestry of the Tauranga tribes and beyond. With education backgrounds, both international and in Aotearoa (NZ), our experiences are based upon real-life experiences, and tailored to value learning outcomes across cultures.

Your authentic Māori guide is a storyteller, geared to take you on a journey of cultural discovery, connecting you with culturally signigficant sites, stories, and ancient tribal customs. Feel the presence of our ancestors as we take you on a journey dating back to 925AD.

This is not just a window to our culture, you are immersed in it.

Travel Ed is an experience of a life time. In your small intimate group your warm friendly and knowledgable guide will ensure you are part of the family by journey’s end. Experiencing our Tauranga Māori cultural tour will provide you with a deep understanding and appreciation of our history. It is a wonderful day of conversation, reflection and learning.

  • Infant seat are avaiable on request when booking
  • Travel time is included on the total tour duration.
  • Could be challenging for those who find walking for 20 minutes or more
Location
Port of Tauranga Ltd
Salisbury Avenue
Flagpole area outside the port gates. Find our van in the carpark next to the Port gates. We will meet you there. Be there at least 15 mins prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(13 Ratings)
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1 star
Happiness28732009135
May 23, 2024
A tour of Tauranga, given by a Maori elder - We booked a 4 hr tour with Les during our port stop in Tauranga. Les was a great guide showing and explaining the cultural significance of many sights, the tour explained Maori history in general and in the Tauranga more specifically. As well he talked of the linkages to greater Polynesian culture. We went a little overtime and Les kindly finished the tour, and got us back to the shop on time. I can't say enough about how generous he was with his time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
437cameronm
Apr 6, 2024
Special way to experience Māori culture , thanks Les - Absolute awesome day. Les shared us his culture and stories with us with a personal touch. Visiting his own Marea was special
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y2235xyameliaw
Apr 6, 2024
highly recommend, many beautiful sights and opportunities to learn about NZ history - Our experience was without a doubt eye opening, during the tour we were given insight on the history of the land and were given information about the history which would only be accessible through native peoples. During the tour Les our tour guide shared many stories that were shared with him by his elders that helped us to gain connection with New Zeland land and people. The sights we saw were like nothing seen before. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TOUR
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Clares_21
Mar 22, 2024
Very informative day and perfect for a wet day. - Les was a wonderful guide. He has an amazing knowledge of Maori history and culture and is passionate about imparting it.He also went above and beyond and took us to the shops to buy a jacket as it was raining. Took us to the most amazing pie shop for lunch. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trek68223674110
Mar 16, 2024
Great tour learned a lot about Māori culture - Les was very friendly and knowledgeable! We enjoyed learning about the history and culture of the Māori people. Beautiful views.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Agnes_g
Mar 14, 2024
Les, a true teacher,... - Les, a true teacher, touched my heart. I fully intend to research more about the Māori culture—so strong , loving and sharing. Agnes G .
Review provided by Viator
Sightseer60048655344
Mar 13, 2024
Les is the best! - Les is amazing and very knowledgeable….highly recommend him and this tour. He is well versed in the history of the Māori and how it blends in the current environment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Connector32144147779
Mar 8, 2024
Immersive experience and made the history come alive - It was an immersive experience light years better than the typical tour. Our guide was not only Maori but a leader who told us insights and details only a tribe member could detail. He does high end tours for corporations and school kids. He’s a recognized expert. This is the tour guide you want if you are really into history or just casually moved by history. He made things come alive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bruce_f
Mar 2, 2024
Immersive experience and he made the history come alive. Best tour guide I ever had. I'm 68 years old. - It was an immersive experience light years better than the typical tour. Our guide was not only Maori but a Maori leader who shared insights and details only a tribe member could detail. He is recognized expert. He does high end corporate tours as well as multiple tours for school kids and extended tours lasting several days. . This is the tour guide you want if you are a history "nerd" or just casually moved by learning about the rich past. He made things come alive.
Review provided by Viator
Derek_b
Mar 31, 2024
Culture tour - Very much a cultural tour. No Maori dance though. Tour would benefit from more scenic elements being added
Review provided by Viator
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1 Adult
June 2024
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