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
This tour is your perfect short introduction to Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae and Maori Culture on the West Coast and it provides you with a knowledgeable resource that can be used for future interaction with Ngati Waewae.
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
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.
We will then tour around the local area taking 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
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
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
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
MAORI FOOD EXPERIENCE - Full Day
The ultimate traditional food experience.
During the day you will learn about traditional food and preparation.
Please contact us for tour information.
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.
Please contact us for tour information
MAORI ANZACS TOUR - PM only
A presentation on Maori Anzacs.
Please contact us for tour information.
WAITANGI TOUR - PM only
Half day tour on the Treaty of Waitangi
Please contact us for tour information.