Maori Cultural Tour

MAORI CULTURAL TOURS LEAD BY MAORI AMBASSADOR FOR WAIHEKE ISLAND

Sacred Sites Tour - $385pp includes lunch, tour, ferry tix 

Discover the beauty of Maori culture with our amazing tours! Immerse yourself in the unique traditions and customs of this fascinating community. Our tours will take you on a journey through the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Waiheke Island.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!

Join us on a journey through the rich Maori culture of Auckland and Waiheke Island with our specialized Maori Cultural Ambassador, Paora. With 34 years of residency on Waiheke, Paora is an expert in Maori protocol and history and will take you on a scenic tour of our Motu while weaving in fascinating stories. Paora's passion for sharing the essence of Waiheke with visitors stems from his upbringing - from supporting Kato Kauwhata in running Piritahi Marae as a young man to learning the history and ancestry associated with Waiheke from his late Uncle and Tohunga. As a filmmaker, Paora has a special appreciation for the magic of the Island and is excited to share it with you. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!

What to expect:

Your cultural tour will begin once you arrive and step foot on the grounds of Matiatia. Paora will guide you to several Wahi tapu (sacred sites) on Te Motu Arai Roa – Waiheke. You will visit Cable Bay for wine tasting first to learn about their unique partnership with the Maori (Iwi), then up to The Batch for lunch, where 360-degree views over the waters of Te Waitemata and Tikapa will inspire more storytelling to deepen your connection to the beauty and culture of Waiheke. Exclusive to this tour, your next stop is at the Waihekeana store in Onetangi, where you can taste Waiheke honey and olive oil while browsing locally made arts, crafts, and jewelry. Your tour ends with a sharing of each other’s experience and Karakia at the water’s edge of Matiatia.

Your cultural itinerary

Grab a ferry from AKL City to waiheke arriving around 0950am

0950 – Paora will greet you at the Maori bronze warrior sculpture “Te Werowero” at Matiatia: here is where the rich tapestry of storytelling will begin with a Karakiha (blessing).

10.15am – Sacred Sites Tour around Waiheke Island with Paora talking about the rich history of the Maori and how they came and lived on Waiheke Island

11am – Visit Cable Bay Vineyards’ cellar door, exploring various Waiheke Island and Marlborough–produced, hand-picked, and harvested award-winning wines. Learn about the former largest Maori settlement at Church Bay.

12pm – Lunch at Batch Winery, the highest vineyard on Waiheke Island, with spectacular views and north-facing sun-soaked hillsides of vines, including terraces of traditional elegant vines

3pm Depart Waiheke on Fullers sailing to Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal.

*Itineraries are subject to some variation depending on seasonal vineyard availability and may vary from those advertised.