What‘s Included

Meeting and Pickup

What To Expect

Reviews

• DON’T MISS THIS EXPERIENCE . We loved it!

  EstherS745,

  Oct 26, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  What an amazing experience! We were able to dive into Maori history and culture while travelling from Tauranga to Rotorua. Les made the experience a standout with stories, his own experiences and great information. He patiently answered all our questions. Highlight was a visit to the Marea. We went to Whakarewarewa a living Māori village and saw a performance from the local Maori. This trip gives you a real good insight into the history and culture. Les is personable, funny and has lots of wisdom, a delight to listen to. Don’t miss out on this trip. Thank you Les!!!

• More than a tour

  Sonia W,

  May 27, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  During our recent visit to New Zealand, we embarked on a guided Māori shore excursion from Tauranga to Rotorua, led by Les, a native Māori guide. This experience was profoundly enriching, offering more than just sightseeing—it provided a deep, personal connection to Māori culture and history. Les’s storytelling was exceptional. He shared his personal journey of reconnecting with his Māori roots, offering insights into his ancestors’ traditions and the challenges faced by Māori communities. His narratives transformed our understanding of Māori history, moving beyond textbook facts to real-life experiences that highlighted both historical and contemporary issues. This excursion was more than a tour—it was a journey into the heart of Māori culture, guided by someone who lived and breathed its traditions. Les’s openness and passion made this experience unforgettable, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for New Zealand’s rich cultural tapestry. For those seeking an authentic and insightful exploration of Māori heritage, this guided shore excursion is highly recommended. Les’s guidance ensures a meaningful and memorable experience that goes beyond the typical tourist path.

• Best Māori tour available!

  Cheryl P,

  Apr 13, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Les was amazing! His knowledge of Māori culture and heritage is firsthand and his passion for sharing his experiences with others is unsurpassed. It was a full day of intriguing sights and sounds. We enjoyed visiting the geothermal village with a Māori dance and song presentation. Les was greeted and obviously well known by many residents in the village verifying his authenticity. He introduced us to New Zealand meat pies and Hokey Pokey ice cream both of which were delicious. We were honored when Les shared his family’s Wharenui (ceremonial house) with our small group. If you are wanting an authentic Māori history and experience, book with Les!

• A tour to remember, loved it!

  lyndond131,

  Mar 27, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  This tour was the best tour we had while visiting New Zealand! The enthusiasm of the tour leader and the dancers was electric. The tour leader Les being of Maori decent with his knowledge of the history of his race was excellent. He went above and beyond to ensure the group of six was treated to a great experience. We definitely would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn about their culture and have fun doing so. Thank you Les, much appreciated. Lyndon & Fran

• Māori Tour

  Ian H,

  Mar 21, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  This was a great tour, Les the guide was of Māori heritage and he was very informative. The thermal Māori village was the highlight but there were other excellent sites visited. A thoroughly enjoyable tour. Would recommend

• A Maori perspective.

  Allan M,

  Mar 20, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Les was an excellent guide. He was so passionate and knowledgeable about his Maori heritage. The Haka and associated entertainment at the Maori village was great, but Les's personal stories of his and his ancestor's lives are what made the tip so special.

• Māori Culture and History

  Mark K,

  Mar 20, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Learned more than anticipated about Māori history, culture and life. Les is an educator and a fantastic guide. You will go places that only Māori can go. Patrick’s Pies are wonderful lunch. To learn about Māori and the history of Tauranga and Rotorua, this is the trip. Kia Ora!

• The tour was very...

  Rey B,

  Mar 1, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  The tour was very educational. It will bring you back to the history of the Maoris. Les our tour guide was very detailed. He showed us maps and pictures. The Haka performance was the highlight of the tour. Thank you Les! We went inside a Maori meeting hall. He explained all the symbols on the wall. He performed the ritual that was necessary before you go in the meeting hall. I would recommend this tour to all.

• Excellent Cultural Experience

  Wayne S,

  Mar 1, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Les, our guide picked us up right at the port. He had a new Toyota van that would seat nine and there were just five of us in it. We visited a number of cultural sites along the way culminating with a musical show at Rotorua. We made a stop for meat pies then Les took us on to a a family cultural hale. On the way back to the ship he stopped at a liquor store for us and we purchased some beverages. We also bought him a nice bottle of wine as a tip. Great day and highly recommended!

• Don’t miss experience

  Marsha W,

  Feb 23, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  We had a wonderful immersion in Maori culture and history from Les, a descendant of Maori leaders. It was a small group (lovely!) and Les is a natural educator. He took to places that wouldn’t be on other tours like a Maori meeting house. He even extended the tour by an hour to show us more things.

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