Immerse yourself to the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand through Māori traditions.
The Te Tihi Ao premium packaged itinerary will make you feel connected to Aotearoa New Zealand through the experience of Māori culture. Manuhiri (visitors) seeking to learn about Māori culture can also follow this itinerary independently.
Your journey will begin as you get picked up by your Te Tihi Ao Kaiārahi(opens in new window) (guide) from Auckland’s airport in your luxury road transportation. Your experienced guide will drive you through scenic landcapes, sharing stories to remember along the way.
The journey will take you through the rainforest of Waipoua. The stunning landscapes of Hokianga are where you will be staying right on the harbour that will great you with wonderful views. A two-course dinner is included before heading back to your room where the sound of the waves gently collapsing on the seafront will lull you into a restorative sleep.
Birthplace of Aotearoa New Zealand - Māori culture
Rising early will reward you with a unique experience at Footprints Waipoua that will stay deeply rooted within you. When you reach the entrance of Waipoua forest, you will appreciate the song of native birds, greeting you in the serene surroundings. Your knowledgeable guide will say a karakia (blessing) to protect you while wondering in the forest. Once you pass the gate and wonder on the path to Tāne Mahuta, you will hear a waiata (song) resonating through the dense canopy. When reach the platform, you will be humbled by the majestic king canopy, 2000 years old Tāne Mahuta, standing tall. Savour a homemade kawakawa tea while the guides will share mesmerising stories. As the sun’s light starts to pierce through, revealing the magnificent surroundings, you may want to take a moment to let the environment sink in, breathing the crisp air.
Head back to your hotel to refuel over a full breakfast with beautiful views of the harbour. Your Kaiārahi will then take you to Manea Footprints of Kupe, a 75-minute multisensory journey of guided storytelling. Follow your guides, direct descendants of Kupe himself while they share the captivating stories of his arrival to Aotearoa, the significance of Māori customs and the deep bond shared with the natural and spiritual worlds. The multisensory experience will take you through Kupe’s voyage almost as if you were there.
Enjoy a picnic on the beach before some downtime at Ngāwhā Springs where you will get a chance to soak in the healing waters, choosing your perfect temperature from a wide range of basins available. Māori stories of creation mention that these hot water originate from the unborn child of Papatūānuku (Earth Mother), Rūaumoko, moving about in the womb of his mother, producing this thermal activity.
A well-earned night of rest is ahead of you at Moon Gate Villa.
Birthplace of Aotearoa New Zealand - Māori culture
Fly over scenic hills of Ngāpuhi and across the Bay of Island to land to Waiomio valley. Head into Waiomio cave where you will be blown away by the magical glow-worms while being captivated by the stories of these carved caves.
Lunch is then served under the forest canopy before heading to Te Ahurea(opens in new window). You’ll be met by the descendants of great Ngāpuhi chiefs and hear about the rich history whilst learning traditional methods and techniques that are still used today. Paddle waka, take part in pōwhiri, raranga (weaving) and rongoā (natural remedy) Māori. Celebrate your day with dinner, a magnificent kai hākari (traditional hāngī feast).
You will leave your Te Tihi Ao premium tour(opens in new window) with a koha (gift) and the unique bond built between you, the people, and the land.
