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Māori History Tour - Hawke's Bay Cultural tour

From: NZ$260.82

Per Person

4 Hours

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

Highlights

Discover culturally significant sites including Ōtātara Pā, Ngā Pou o Heretaunga & Te Mata Peak
Hear captivating stories and legends of Ngāti Kahungunu, including Pania of the Reef
Explore Hawke’s Bay through whakapapa, history & whenua (land)
Small-group experience offering an authentic and meaningful connection to Māori culture
Māori-guided cultural journey through Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay)

Full Description

Step into the heart of Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke's Bay) on an authentic cultural journey through the stories, landscapes, and living traditions of Ngāti Kahungunu. As you travel through Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North, your Māori guide will bring the region to life through captivating storytelling, connecting each place to the people, legends, and history that have shaped it for generations. Journey to culturally significant sites including Ōtātara Pā, Ngā Pou o Heretaunga, and Te Mata Peak, and hear the story of the Battle of Ōmarunui and the enduring legend of Pania of the Reef. Each stop offers a deeper connection to the history, whak...

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Itinerary

Ōtātara Pā

Discover Ōtātara Pā, the largest Māori pā site in Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke's Bay), where history, culture, and landscape come together. Once a thriving community and an important centre of settlement, food production, trade, and defence, the pā offers a window into life in Aotearoa long before European arrival. As you walk through this sacred place, your guide will share the stories, traditions, and significance of the site, while the sweeping views across the Heretaunga Plains reveal why it has remained an important place for generations.

Please note:
Approximately 1 km of walking, including an uphill section.
Covered walking shoes are required.

Journey through Hawke's Bay and hear the stories

Journey through Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North, where every stop reveals a deeper connection to the history, legends, and living culture of Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke's Bay). Hear the story of the Battle of Ōmarunui, discover the legend of Pania of the Reef, and learn the powerful kōrero of Te Mata Peak, whose story is forever woven into the landscape. Through engaging storytelling from your guide, gain a deeper appreciation of the people, traditions, and places that continue to shape the region today.

Ngā Pou o Heretaunga

Discover Ngā Pou o Heretaunga, a striking collection of 18 carved ancestral pou that celebrate the history, whakapapa, and living culture of Heretaunga. Each pou represents one of the region's marae and carries stories passed down through more than 20 generations. Aligned with the rising of Matariki, the installation reflects the enduring relationship between the stars, the land, and the people, offering a powerful connection to Māori heritage and identity.

Te Mata Peak

Visit the summit of Te Mata Peak, one of Hawke's Bay's most iconic landmarks, where breathtaking panoramic views stretch across vineyards, orchards, rivers, and the Pacific coastline. Beyond its spectacular scenery, this sacred maunga holds deep cultural significance.

According to Māori tradition, Te Mata Peak is the resting place of Te Mata o Rongokako, the sleeping giant whose story is forever etched into the landscape. As your guide shares this enduring kōrero, discover the powerful connection between the people, the whenua (land), and the identity of Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke's Bay).

Includes

What's included

Guide or instructor
Transport between stops
Admission and entry fees
Photos and videos
Safety briefing
Small group experience

Meeting Point

National Aquarium in Napier, Marine Parade.

Alternatively, if booking the private option of this tour, we can arrange to pick up and drop off anywhere within the Hawke's Bay area.

Additional Information

Cruise passengers can take the free shuttle bus from the port to the National Aquarium (second stop); the ride takes about 5-10 minutes.

We will be at the pick-up location 5-10 minutes before the tour starts.

The vehicle is either a Silver Mercedes Sprinter or a black Prado, both of which have Mates Travel signage on the side. The driver-guide will hold a sign with your name on it. We will be at the pick-up location 5-10 minutes before the tour starts.

Cancellation policy

Full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before activity starts.

Good weather is required for this experience. If we need to cancel due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

There is a minimum number of travellers for this experience. If the minimum isn't met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date/experience or a full refund.

Terms

Full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before activity starts.rnrnThere is a minimum number of travellers for this experience. If the minimum isn't met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date/experience or a full refund.

From

NZ$260.82

Per Person

4 Hours

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

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546 Marine Parade, Napier South, 4110

Māori History Tour

Duration: 4 Hours

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Māori History Tour - Hawke's Bay Cultural tour

From: NZ$260.82

Highlights

Discover culturally significant sites including Ōtātara Pā, Ngā Pou o Heretaunga & Te Mata Peak

Hear captivating stories and legends of Ngāti Kahungunu, including Pania of the Reef

Explore Hawke’s Bay through whakapapa, history & whenua (land)

Small-group experience offering an authentic and meaningful connection to Māori culture

Māori-guided cultural journey through Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay)

Visit

Full Description

Itinerary

Includes

Additional Information

NZ$260.82

Māori History Tour

Book Your Experience

Traveler Details

Payment Details

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