This trip is an historic and cultural experience of the settlement of Tauranga harbour. Many hidden stories are shared with you that shaped the region.
Take a journey tracing the path of our ancestors and the pre-European Māori and settlers who laid the foundation for Tauranga Moana.
Gain insight into Tauranga's rich history as you delve into the stories of an ancient Māori fortified village and the profound impact of missionaries and European settlers on the Māori people.
Your guides, descendants of those who were present at the historic battle, will lead you to the very grounds where remarkable events unfolded, sharing tales of bravery and honour.
Stand within a Polynesian navigational compass used by our ancestors to navigate the vast Pacific Ocean.
To conclude this remarkable tour, visit a local marae and admire the breathtaking vistas of the Tauranga harbour from the nearby hills. Truly a captivating experience!
Add On: Enjoy unique culinary experience at Izakai, an award-winning Māori/Japanese fusion eatery. At your own cost and subject to opening times.
Descendants from all tribes from the Tauranga region
At the New Zealand award winning Patricks Pies bakery.
Comfortable air conditioned vehicle
The lunch meal is not included in the tour cost
We will share purākau (ancient stories) about our beautiful ancestral mountain. It stands at the entrance of our harbour
You are taken back to the year 925AD, and beyond, to hear the stories of how our Māori ancestors arrived, not only in New Zealand (Aotearoa), but in the Pacific. Learn about how they navigated to the last undiscovered land mass in the world.
The 1860s saw the arrival of the colonial forces and the ensuing conflicts that determined the history of Tauranga. Our Māori ancestor's response was, initially, a surprise to the colonial forces. Events that happened here had enormous ramifications for wars and conflicts in the 1900s.
Patricks Pies is an iconic pie bakery that has won multiple pie awards in New Zealand pie making competitions stretching back until around 2007. These pies have transformed the 'humble' pie that we had for lunch as young Kiwis as early as the 1960s. Very popular amongst locals and international visitors.
The marae is central to the tribal history and customs. Experience how the marae holds the identity of the people who belong there.
The 'Summerhills' offer an uninterrupted, panoramic view of Tauranga and Mount Manuganui. You will 'gasp' at the amazing views.
Izakai is a very successful award winning bar and eatery. A fusion of Māori and Japanese cuisine. Take the opportunity after the tour to experience amazing taste sensations while you reflect on a day of historical and cultural ineractions.
We can arrange a booking for you.
Join our local Māori storytellers to experience the beauty of Māori history and cultural stories. Be immersed in the culture of tangata whenua (local Māori people). Our experiences take you beyond the window of our culture to a journey of knowledge and understanding.
