New tour brings indigenous love story to life
20 Sep 2007
The legendary love story of the Central Plateau mountains will come alive from November 2007, through a new tourism product based in New Plymouth.
Maori Journeys, which will offer five themed coach journeys developed by Taranaki-based tour company Tui Global will be launched on 9 November, 2007.
Its showcase product will be the Warrior Mountains journey, which will focus on the legend of the mountains Taranaki, Tongariro and Pihanga, leading to the banishment of Taranaki from the Central Plateau to the west coast of the North Island.
Taranaki, the youngest mountain in the Central Plateau, fell in love with Pihanga but lost a battle for her heart and was banished by his brothers. His heartbroken tears filled the Whanganui River's chasm left behind by his miserable journey, and it is said that even today, clouds hide the tears he still sheds for his lost love.
Company spokesperson Te Urutahi Waikerepuru says the Warrior Mountains journey will be promoted internationally by the company as a feature tour experience of its inaugural 2007/08 tour season.
The tour will take seven days, and link the five North Island regions of Rotorua, Taupo, Central Plateau, Wanganui and Taranaki.
"Major highlights of the journey are the tribal storytellers from each of the regions who will relate the story of their mountain to the visitors, giving a unique and authentic insight into local Maori history, culture and spirituality," says company spokesperson Te Urutahi.
The tour will begin in Rotorua at Mt Tarawera, and end in the shadow of Mt Taranaki with a live theatrical performance of the legend, following a themed indigenous banquet.
Further information:
Te Urutahi Waikerepuru
Company Spokesperson
Tel: +64 6 751 1700
teurutahi@tuiglobal.co.nz
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