Southern Maori Tourism Trails

An experience which takes in the rich Maori history and occupation of Te Tai Poutini- the South Islands West Coast.

Our TOURS and EXPERIENCES are led by local Maori guides

Our TOURS focus on informative presentations and exhibitions around our culture. They are perfect for school groups and visitors who wish to learn about the indigenous community and their connection to the land.

Our EXPERIENCES physically place you in touch with our culture through taking part.

These tours take longer but offer a greater reward

Themes

THE LEARNING - Culture the identity

THE JOURNEY - History the truth

THE MAKING - Pounamu the treasure

THE NEW BORN - Nature the awakening

THE PROVIDER - Food the sustenance

• All tours start at the Te Wai Pounamu Maori Heritage Centre in the Centre of Hokitika.

• Morning tours: 9:00am - 12:30pm

• Afternoon Tours: 12:30pm - 5:00pm

• Tours dependent on minimum number of 5 people

• Special Tours are seasonal and run on request.

 

HALF DAY – DAILY TOURS

HALF DAY – DAILY TOURS

HALF DAY – DAILY TOURS

FULL DAY – DAILY TOURS

FULL DAY – DAILY TOURS

FULL DAY – DAILY TOURS

SEASONAL SPECIAL TOURS

SEASONAL SPECIAL TOURS

SEASONAL SPECIAL TOURS

  • HISTORY & CULTURE TOUR - Morning or Afternoon

    TIMETABLE

      –  Tour Departs from Te Wai Pounamu Maori Heritage Centre

      –  Traditional Greeting at Arahura Marae

      –  Kai

      –  Presentation on Local Tribe Ngati Waewae

      –  Return to Te Wai Pounamu Maori Heritage Centre

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  • MOARI HERITAGE & CULTURE TOUR

    This tour is your perfect introduction to Te Rununga o Ngati Waewae and Maori Culture on the West Coast.

    This tour begins with a presentation about local Maori history and occupation which will be based around the traditional stories about pounamu (greenstone) a significant treasure.

    Arriving back in Hokitika visitors are taken on a guided tour of the Hokitika Museum

    TIMETABLE

    9:00  Tour Departs from Te Wai Pounamu Maori Heritage Centre

      –  Traditional Greeting at Arahura Marae.

      –  Kai

      –  Presentation on Local Tribe Ngati Waewae and Pounamu

      –  Return to Hokitika for Lunch

    1.00  Presentation at Hokitika Museum.

      –  Travel to Lake Mahinapua and Lake Kaniere

    4:45  Return to Te Waipounamu Maori Heritage Centre

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  • POUNAMU, HISTORY & NATURE EXPERIENCE

    This tour begins with a presentation about local Maori history and occupation which will be based around the traditional stories about pounamu (greenstone) a significant treasure.

    Fossick for Pounamu on the Arahura River and Tour round the local area visiting sites of interest in the afternoon including a look at rivers, lakes and mountains all special to the local tribe Ngati Waewae.

    Arriving back in Hokitika visitors are taken on a guided tour of the Hokitika Museum and selected local attractions and galleries.

    TIMETABLE

    9:00  Tour Departs from Te Wai Pounamu Maori Heritage Centre

       – Traditional Greeting at Arahura Marae

       – Kai

       – Fossick for Pounamu at Arahura River

       – Presentation on local sites of interest to Ngati Waewae

       – Kai

       – Hokitika Museum and local attractions

       – Travel to Lake Mahinapua and Lake Kaniere

    4.45  Return to Te Wai Pounamu Maori Heritage Centre

     

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  • THE POUNAMU EXPERIENCE

    Carve Your Own Piece of Jewellery or Sculpture from Pounamu Bone or Shell at He Wahi Whakairo – The Place of Carving

    The carving of your own piece of pounamu or bone is a very rich and rewarding experience. You will be guided by experienced carvers and designers who will talk to you about the process and teach you the secrets of this ancient art form.

    You may carve one of the traditional Maori designs or you may carve a design of your own, an everlasting memento of your visit  to our land.

    This tour is our most popular experience and begins with a presentation about local Maori history and traditional stories about pounamu (greenstone) a significant treasure.

    TIMETABLE

    9.00  Experience starts at Te Waipounamu Maori Heritage Centre

      –  This tour begins with a presentation about local Maori history and occupation which will be based around the traditional stories about pounamu (greenstone) a significant treasure.

      –  Learn about traditional shapes and meanings.

      –  Learn modern techniques to carve stone or bone

      –  Create your own unique piece.

     5:00  Finish

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  • MAORI FOOD EXPERIENCE - Full Day

    The ultimate traditional food experience.

    During the day you will learn about traditional food and preparation.

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  • MATARIKI TOUR - PM only

    A presentation on Matariki.

    Once a year twinkling in the winter sky Matariki (Pleiades) signals the Maori New Year.

    Traditionally it was a time for remembering the dead and celebrating new life.

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  • MAORI ANZACS TOUR - PM only

    A presentation on Maori Anzacs.

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  • WAITANGI TOUR - PM only

    Half day tour on the Treaty of Waitangi

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