Tauranga History and Culture

Overview

Available languages

English

5 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Travel Ed is a Māori whānau (family) operator, steeped in the ancestry of the Tauranga tribal area. 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, who will take you on a journey of cultural discovery, connecting you with significant 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.

Travel Ed is an experience of a life time. In your small intimate group your warm friendly and knowledgable guide will ensure you are part of the family by journey’s end. Experiencing our Tauranga Māori cultural tour will provide you with a deep understanding and appreciation of our history. It is a wonderful day of conversation, reflection and learning. Minimum of 3 passengers to operate.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infant seat may be available on request when booking

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

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Locally produced natural Mānuka sparkling water

At a multiple New Zealand awards winning bakery or similar you are able to purchase an iconic New Zealand pie.

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 30 minute drive.

Admission Not Applicable

Learn about the arrival of Kupe in 925AD, the first known Polynesian explorer to arrive in Aotearoa (NZ) from our historic homeland of Hawaiiki. You will experience the example of a Polynesian compass (Te Kāpehu) that he used for navigation to these shores. This provided the navigational blueprint for our ancestors arrival in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

25 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Tauranga Māori History and Culture

Small group: To ensure a personal experience this tour is restricted to a maximum of 9 manuhiri (guests)
Duration: 5 hours: The tour will take approximately 5.5 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
Mount Maunganui & Tauranga: Guests will go around the harbour from Mount Maunganui to Tauranga and Papamoa, including through kiwifruit growing region
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

4.94

16 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Incredible Māori Immersion Experience
David L,
Oct 20, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Les made this tour awesome! If you want to immerse yourself into the Māori lifestyle, who better to learn from than a reapected Māori teacher? Les expertly melded his family ancestry, his tribal connections and Māori traditions into an informative and enjoyable 6-hour to Rotorua and around Tauranga. The concert in Rotorua provided another dimension to the stories Les told and complemented the tour nicely. Les explained the significance of a woko and his marae. In my opinion, this is probably one of the best excursions from the cruise port to learn about the history of the Māori people in New Zealand!
Culture tour
Derek B,
Mar 31, 2024
- Viator
4.00
Very much a cultural tour. No Maori dance though. Tour would benefit from more scenic elements being added
Les, a true teacher,...
Agnes G,
Mar 14, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Les, a true teacher, touched my heart. I fully intend to research more about the Māori culture—so strong , loving and sharing. Agnes G .
Immersive experience and he made the history come alive. Best tour guide I ever had. I'm 68 years old.
Bruce F,
Mar 2, 2024
- Viator
5.00
It was an immersive experience light years better than the typical tour. Our guide was not only Maori but a Maori leader who shared insights and details only a tribe member could detail. He is recognized expert. He does high end corporate tours as well as multiple tours for school kids and extended tours lasting several days. . This is the tour guide you want if you are a history "nerd" or just casually moved by learning about the rich past. He made things come alive.