Guided Māori History and Culture Tour to Rotorua and Tauranga
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Your hosts are a Māori family business, steeped in the ancestry of the Tauranga and Bay of Plenty tribes. With education backgrounds, both international and in Aotearoa (NZ), our experiences are based upon real-life experiences, and tailored to value learning outcomes across cultures.
Your authentic Māori guide is a storyteller, geared to take you on a journey of cultural discovery, connecting you with culturally signigficant sites, stories, and ancient tribal customs. Feel the presence of our ancestors as we take you on a journey dating back to 925AD.
This is not just a window to our culture, it's an immersion.
This is an experience of a life time. In your small van group, your warm friendly, knowledgable guide will ensure you are part of the family by journey’s end. This tour will provide you with a deep understanding and appreciation of our history. It is a wonderful day of conversation, reflection and learning.
A minimum of 4 guests is required for this tour to proceed.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travel time is included on the total tour duration.
Could be challenging for those who find walking for 20 minutes or more
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
As we drive by your local tribal guide will tell you ancient stories of our well known ancestral mountain, Mount Maunganui.. You will take in the beauty of the beaches as we make our way to Tauranga, a short 20 minute drive.
Ancient Māori navigational compass. Hear the ancient stories of the arrival of our Māori ancestors from 925AD. Learn where they came from and their subsequent settlement in Aotearoa
What‘s Included
Locally produced natural sparkling water
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local Māori Guide
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Unique Māori History & Culture
Small group: To ensure a personal experience this tour is restricted to a maximum of 9 manuhiri (guests)
Duration: 6 hours: The tour will take approximately 6 hrs including drive time between stops at places of significance.
Local food and drink: Locally produced water infused with traditional mānuka honey. Optional stop at a popular Māori/Japanese fusion eatery
Tauranga and Rotorua: Travel through the forests to Rotorua returning through kiwifruit growing region to the port gates
Small van: Comfortable and spacious fully air conditioned van
Personal Experience: Each guest becomes a part of our whānau whānui (extended family). Your guide will embrace you as part of our community.
Pickup included
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highlight of our visit to NZ
suebS3673WW,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very interesting and educative tour. It was the highlight of our visit to NZ. Les is passionate about passing on his knowledge of the Māori culture. I highly recommend doing this tour!
Superb, knowledgeable tour of Māori culture and history.
R2143THmarilynh,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Les was our tour guide with Travel Ed and he gave us a well informed tour - one that we felt privileged to be a part of. If Māori history and culture interest you, TAKE THIS TOUR!!
Learn the Maori history, culture and values from an expert.
George D,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Wereta, is passionate about his Maori ancestory and makes the hustory, culture and values of the Maori come alive
Thank you
elaine k,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a wonderful experience and one we wont forget. LES (Wereta) was amazing giving us so much history and insight into the Maori culture. I wish all excursions were as well managed and planned as this was. From booking through to the end of the tour was seamless. Thank you ever so much. Kia Ora
DON’T MISS THIS EXPERIENCE . We loved it!
EstherS745,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What 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
5.00During 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
5.00Les 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
5.00This 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
5.00This 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
5.00Les 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.
From NZ$240.00
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Operated by Travel Ed t/a Mana Māori Experiences