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‘s Included
Locally produced natural sparkling water
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local Māori Guide
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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
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
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
More than a tour
Sonia W,
May 27, 2025
- 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.
Māori Tour
Ian H,
Mar 21, 2025
- 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
- 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.
Māori Culture and History
Mark K,
Mar 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Learned 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
- Viator
5.00The 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.
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Operated by Travel Ed t/a Mana Māori Experiences