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Watch sunset surrounded by nine carved pillars
Sunrise view with Maori carvings
Early morning sunrise glow
Peaceful sunrise moment captured
Happy customers clicking picture
Sunrise Tour - Te Urunga-Tu

Sunrise Tour - Te Urunga-Tu

Watch the world awaken surrounded by nine larger-than-life carved pou (pillars) that stand as sacred cultural treasures of the local Ngati Porou people.​ ​ Listen and learn as your expert Ngati Porou guide provides an in-depth and intimate story of each and every one of the carvings, who or what they represent and the significance they hold to the Māori culture.

From: NZ$299

Per Person

4 Hours

On Request: Confirmed within 48 hours, or fully refunded.

Highlights

  • Dawn in the Land of the First Light

  • Authentic Cultural Experience

  • Guided Tour by Ngati Porou

  • 4WD adventure to the maunga

  • Māori culture and historical education

Visit

Full Description

Watch the world awaken surrounded by nine larger-than-life carved pou (pillars) that stand as sacred cultural treasures of the local Ngati Porou people.​

Listen and learn as your expert Ngati Porou guide provides an in-depth and intimate story of each and every one of the carvings, who or what they represent, and the significance they hold to the Māori culture.

​With roots that can be traced back to the Māori creation story, to when Maui Tikitiki-a-Taranga slowed the sun, gifted us fire, and fished Te Ika a Maui (the North Island) from the sea. Come hear our history, explore our land, and meet the descendants of Maui on Maunga Hikurangi.

Includes

Light breakfast is provided at the summit

Guided experience with an expert Ngati Porou guide

Small group size, limited to a maximum of five participants

Unique photo opportunities at the world's first sunrise

4WD adventure to and from Maunga Hikurangi,the only tour company authorised to drive up the mountain

Meeting Point

The meeting point is the town centre in Ruatoria.

A minimum of 2 guests is required for our tour.

Additional Information

Free Parking: Available at the bottom of Maunga Hikurangi

Dress in Layers: Wear multiple layers so you can adjust your clothing as temperatures change from chilly dawn to warmer daytime.

Bring a Raincoat: Prepare for unpredictable weather by packing a lightweight, waterproof raincoat.

Wear Comfortable Footwear: Choose sturdy, comfortable shoes.

Pack Essential Gear: Bring a hat to protect yourself from the elements.

Carry Water: Stay hydrated and keep energy levels up with plenty of water.

Safety Gear: A helmet will be provided for your safety.

Breakfast Provided: A complimentary light breakfast is included in your tour.

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
Please note the track may be closed at times for maintenance, farming operations, public health measures and cultural reasons please email [email protected] for up-to-date track information.
Every year there are two permanent track closures, please note these dates;
-
The whole month of October the track is closed due to lambing season on the farm (the October closure means the hut is unavailable for the Labour Weekend public holiday)
-
From 12pm on 31st December to 12pm 1st January the Hut and summit are closed for 24 hours. Visitors during this time are encouraged to attend the Ngati Porou Dawn Ceremony, please visit www.ngatiporou.com for dawn ceremony information

From

NZ$299

Per Person

4 Hours

On Request: Confirmed within 48 hours, or fully refunded.

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Ruatoria, New Zealand, 4032

Haramai - Day Tour

Meet your Ngati Porou kaitiaki (guide) at an agreed time at the base of Maunga Hikurangi. You will then be transported by 4WD up to the sacred site of Te Takapau a Maui. During the ascent and at the site, authentic stories providing insight into the local region are shared, along with korero (talk) about each of the nine large pou (Maori carvings) which depict the stories of Maui, a highly revered...Show More
Duration: 4 Hours
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Te Urunga-Tu - Sunrise Tour

Maunga Hikurangi is our sacred mountain, regarded as the first place in the world to see the sunrise.

With the inclusion of our cultural engagement, we provide an experience that is original, authentic, and not experienced elsewhere in New Zealand. You will meet your Ngati Porou kaitiaki (guide) at the base of Maunga Hikurangi. From here, you will be transported by 4WD to the place wh...Show More
Duration: 5 Hours
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a camera?

Yes, guests are encouraged to bring cameras to capture the sunrise and cultural sites.
 

Is the tour available year-round?

The tour operates year-round, weather permitting.
 

Are there any age restrictions?

The tour is designed for adults; participants should be in good health and able to handle early mornings and rough terrain.
 

What happens in case of bad weather?

Tour can be postponed or rescheduled in the event of adverse weather conditions. Guests will be notified accordingly.
 

Is there a minimum number of people required for the tour to operate?

Yes, the tour requires a minimum of 2 people in order to operate.

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer a full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before the activity starts.
 

What kind of dress should I wear for the tour?

You are suggested to wear multiple layers, jackets, and sturdy shoes.

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