Waimarama Maori Tours
Havelock North, Hawke's Bay
Personal Maori Experience
One of the most authentic experiences of living Mãori culture and heritage in New Zealand. Robert Mac Donald is a historian, writer and respected elder of his Ngati Kurukuru tribe. He was raised in the small coastal community of Waimarama where he still lives today. With his great-nephew, Ike Wallace, and other members of their tribe, they offer 5 different tours for you to choose from. Each tour gives you unfettered access to the world of Maori rarely seen by outsiders. You’ll spend time with knowledgeable and articulate family members and listen to fascinating, personal, interesting stories. With humour and grace they will share their personal insights with you.
A day in the life of a Maori Elder
Experience real Maori culture with a unique insight into a day in the life of a Maori elder. As their day unfolds, you will be right there with them. Together you will visit the Hakikino Conservation Reserve, visit the celestial disc where stones stand as the guardians and keepers of knowledge. You will call in at the Marae reservation and then visit a family home and share a meal together. Whatever is going on in the village that day will be incorporated into of your visit.
Departs Flexible | Duration 6 hours includes lunch - $595pp
Travels of the Ancestors
Begin on the shores of Waimarama beach and visit the family’s Hakikino Conservation Reserve where the native bush has medicinal and food plants growing. Visit the Matai Whetu where stones stand as the guardians and keepers of knowledge and where people gather to remember the past and make plans for the future. As is the custom of the tribe, you will conclude by sharing food together. Return home and enjoy a cup of medicinal kawakawa tea, local Maori influenced food and time with the family.
Departs Flexible | Duration 3 hours includes lunch - $395pp
The Pillars of Knowledge
On this sunrise tour, you will visit the Matai Whetu. You will gaze at the stars together and enjoy a dark sky experience with virtually no light pollution. This site looms large over the cultural landscape of the Waimarama people. Stars in the firmament remind of loved ones lost; others track the trail of discovery that brought the first ancestors to this land. Stories will be told and experiences shared. The site visit ends with a moving greeting to the new day. As is the custom of the tribe, you will conclude by sharing food together. Return home and enjoy a cup of medicinal kawakawa tea, breakfast and time with the family.
Departs Flexible | Duration 3 hours includes lunch - $395pp
Walk with the Ancestors
Visit the Waimarama beach where the great migration canoe was dragged ashore 800 years ago. Spend time with your guide and explore the scenic Hakikino Conservation Reserve. Visit the plant nursery and protected wetlands sheltering our native eels. Walk ancient ancestral land and hear about lives past and present.
Departs Flexible | Duration 2 hours $150pp
Te Mata Peak and Pou
See the panoramic views from atop Te Mata Peak. Your guide will share with you the stories of creation and of gods and rebellious offspring. Travel to Nga Pou o Heretaunga where you will see eighteen beautifully carved pou, each representing an ancestor from marae reservations around the district. Your guide will tell you the stories of these ancestors.
Departs Flexible | Duration 2 hours $150pp
Additional Information
Transportation for all tours is available at an additional cost.
Directions
Transport available from Napier, Havelock and other locations $
Terms
CHILD POLICY Family Friendly. Under 15 free with 2 adults.
CANCELLATION 24 hours 100% | cancellation due to weather or mechanical reasons Full Refund
SEASON Open year round
CHRISTMAS Closed Christmas Day