Come stand in the heart of the day with our family as we share 800 years of unbroken tradition in Kaikoura.
Our tours are designed so you gain an insight into our history, Maori people and culture, as well as an understanding of our values and spiritual connection to the environment.
The award winning half day tour is scheduled all year round and all other tours are on request by prior arrangement.
HALF DAY TOUR
Awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TRIPADVISOR
And that's not all - following customer reviews on the www.rankers.co.nz site we were awarded 'BEST Cultural Experience in New Zealand' 3 years running!!
We're overwhelmed to receive these awards and share them with all our family and friends who have been there to support us from day one.
We're also very grateful to our visitors who took the time to review us - and we're humbled by your comments - thank you!!
The HALF DAY TOUR is a combination of laughter, learning and storytelling with hands on activities and a bushwalk to discover traditional uses of trees and plants as food and medicine.
It's suitable for individuals, families and groups and is scheduled all year round.
Half day tour details:
Travel with us by mini-coach to some of our important places, and once there you'll be introduced to them through our eyes, as we share with you secrets of the landscape through the stories of our ancestors. These stories will leave you smiling and amazed - they've been handed down through many generations who have lived along this beautiful coastline for hundreds of years.
Right from the start you'll be involved, joining in customs and traditions like weaving with harakeke (flax) and learning a Maori greeting. As part of a small and intimate group you can ask questions at anytime and learn about the things you're curious about.
Midway through we'll stop for light refreshments and then travel to one of Kaikoura's bush walkways where our guides will share knowledge about the use of trees and plants as food and medicine. The majority of New Zealand's native bush is endemic so you'll find yourself in a landscape found nowhere else in the natural world - and again through stories you'll come to know how we view the world and understand our fundamental connections to the environment.
As your time with us draws to a close you'll realise you have gained a rare insight and understanding of Maori people and our way of life and we'll give you a small memento to help you remember your time with us and for you to share with your own family and friends.
So come stand in the heart of the day with us and be part of an intimate and personal cultural exchange - where no two tours are the same as our guests are individuals and each brings something unique to the day.
-
Complimentary pickup from accommodation within the Kaikoura township or we can meet at the Kaikoura i-SITE Visitor centre
-
You can use our secure online facility to book this tour now
-
or ask a question if you need more information or clarification Bookings & Enquiries
-
or waitlist if the tour/day you want isn't available right now Bookings & Enquiries
AVAILABILITY
If the tour of your choice is not available we highly recommend you waitlist. Our schedule changes often as our guests plans change and we work hard to secure space for those who waitlist with us.
We'll let you know what your chances are of securing a place and we'll keep you informed along the way.
To waitlist email us on waitlist@maoritours.co.nz giving your preferred day/time and the number of seats you require.
Half day tour - What to Bring:
- Dress for the outdoors and wear sensible shoes for walking. NB: Hiking/tramping boots NOT required - shoes may be taken on and off during the tour
- It’s a good idea to bring your sense of humour as well as a camera, drink bottle when it’s warm and a light rain jacket as our weather is changeable.
- In the winter you'll need hat, scarf and gloves to keep warm.
Book early to avoid disappointment - advance booking is essential so book online now or enquire if you need more details info@maoritours.co.nz
Half day tour cost:
Valid to 30 September 2013
Adult
Child (up to 15yrs)
Prices are quoted in NZ dollars and inclusive of GST
Child rate up to & including 15yrs - not recommended for very young children although passage will not be refused
Bookings & Enquiries
"A very special and meaningful experience that transcends the usual tourist trap and becomes something moving and spiritual" - Jim Drevescraft - USA
TOURS BY ARRANGEMENT
Group Tours for up to 50 guests
- Our half day tour can be arranged for groups of up to 50 guests by prior arrangment and we can adapt it for you or give a range of add on activities as well
- Or we can tailor an experience to suit your specific needs
- Tour duration ranging from 2 HOURS through to a 3 DAYS
Please contact for further details - let us know your group size and the dates you intend to visit - groups@maoritours.co.nz
Educational Tours for students of all ages
Hands on experience is a great way to learn and we regularly host students of all learning levels from primary to tertiary. We have built lasting relationships with our educators from New Zealand and abroad with many returning annually.
"Maori Tours is an absolutely essential part of our educational travel programs, as it teaches our students about Maori culture and history in a way that no other experience can. Our students rate this tour as one of the highlights of their whole New Zealand experience." (Dr Laura Sessions - ChCh)
Our half day tour is a perfect introduction to Maori culture and we can easily adapt the various components to suit your specific learning requirements.
If you prefer we can design a tour especially for you, working with you to create exactly what you need. We're happy to assist with the planning for your Kaikoura visit as our local knowledge comes in handy when it comes to itinerary planning, knowing where to stay, eat etc.
"The experience is one of sensitive treatment of history from a very personal point of view. It is informative without being "threatening" and this elicits a very positive response from students. The introduction to culture and tradition is highlighted by involving the group and linking them and their places to Kaikoura and traditional practices. They quickly become a part of the procedures, no longer mere observers."
(Dr Patrick Devlin, Associate Professor, Environment Society and Design Division - Lincoln University)
Please contact us and we will work with you to provide just what you are looking for: learn@maoritours.co.nz
Single Private Party Excursions
No problem – if you prefer the exclusivity of a private tour we can accommodate you. You may want to take the half day tour or perhaps you prefer we design an experience especially for you - whatever it is we'll work with you to create THE PERFECT experience - we're creative and innovative and we listen.
Price on Application: exclusive@maoritours.co.nz
"One of the best things I've done in New Zealand - an honest and informative trip. Very welcoming and made us feel like individuals."
(Charlotte Bell - UK)
Corporate Team building
Whatever you're after - Fun - Challenge - Team Bonding - Training - We have the skills, experience and knowledge to create the right opportunities for your team to grow and flourish. We're innovative and creative and no request is too tedious - so contact now for further details: team@maoritours.co.nz
Maori Tours Kaikoura, led by Maurice and Heather Manawatu, is the most thought-provoking and inspiring experience about Maori culture and New Zealand history I have met anywhere. It is honest and intelligent, reminding us that joint histories of different backgrounds and ways of living can help the modern expressions of cultures continue to survive and succeed. With them (Maori Tours Kaikoura) we have the best chance to integrate cultural understanding and respect into future generations. (Bernd Wuersig - NZ/USA)
- Payment - Can be made on the day of your tour in Cash or by VISA or Mastercard using our secure book and pay facility
- CLOSED - Christmas Day, Boxing Day, ANZAC day and Good Friday. Other close out dates may appear on this website from time to time - check the book now page.
- When we have to Cancel - Please note that tangi (bereavement) of a close family member may cause cancellation as Tangi takes precedent over all other activity in the Maori culture. Extreme weather conditions may also cause cancellation. Every effort will be made to reschedule you in either event.
|
