Waka on the Waiapu River mouth, snow-capped Mt Hikurangi in the distance.
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New Zealand is justly famous for its indigenous Maori culture. Increasingly, travellers to New Zealand are seeking out more "authentic" experiences than those provided by the packaged tours.
What makes Aotearoa-New Zealand unique in the world of travel is its Maori culture. Other tourist destinations have spectacular natural features and landscapes and similar climates, but it is the Maori culture that gives this country its special flavour. And while other previously colonised countries have indigenous populations, the Maori, in New Zealand continue to exert the robust influence on everyday life and to hold to their cultural traditions more than probably anywhere else.
In addition, the recent dramatic interest in issues of sustainability, and environmental care dovetails perfectly with traditional Maori values of kaitiakitaga (Guardianship). Cultural tourism by its very nature, allows guests to interact with our natural and man-made environments, while encouraging the care and protection of those environments. As the one-time Minister of Tourism has noted:
"It strikes the right balance between the economic benefits of tourism and the guardianship of our people, cultures, and landscapes. It is a key component to a truly sustainable tourism market"
(Hon. Dover Samuels, 2004).
An experience of Maori culture is an essential component of any visit to Aotearoa (the Maori word for New Zealand meaning "Land of the Long White Cloud").
These experiences can come at several different levels - from the Hotel Maori Cultural Performance involving traditional waiata (songs) and haka (dances) owned and operated by non-Maori, down to the small hapu tourism operation which can involve staying on a Marae, and listening to local stories and Maori descriptions of the landscape and the natural world.
Our desire is to enhance and strengthen Maori Tourism by supporting Maori Tourism
ventures - particularly small, whanau and hapu-based tourism businesses - and in so doing, supporting the local Maori economies in which they operate.
In this way we support the growth of Maori tourism at a grassroots level, and in so doing to authenticate the life experiences of Maori tourism providers and to establish a truthful representation of Maori for the discerning tourist.
For a more detailed explanation of our philosophy click here.
For a glossary of Maori words and phrases click here.
MAORI CULTURAL ACCOMMODATION
Moanarua Beach Cottage
Miria and Taroi, 2 Hoterini Street, Ohope, Whakatane
Kia Ora, Miria and Taroi of Moanarua Beach Cottage offer you a romantic hideaway nestled between the Ocean and the Harbour in sunny Ohope beach.
Potiki Adventures
Melissa Crockett, P O Box 68 038, Newton, Auckand
Potiki Adventures offer contemporary Maori experiences and adventures in the greater Auckland region.
details
Whanganui River Guides
Brenda Topine, PO Box 125 Taumarunui
The Whanganui River Guides provide a Freedom Hire, Guided or Maori Guided Cultural Experience in a 2 person canoe or 6 person waka. Visit Old Marae Sites, history of the Whanganui River in the company of the descendants of the Whanganui Iwi.
details
Myths & Legends Ecotours
Pete Beech, 316A Waikawa Rd Picton
Ecotours in the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand from Myths and Legends Eco-Tours. Birdwatching, wildlife and Maori culture whilst cruising on the classic launch, the Tutanekai.
details
pureORAwalks
Taupo
pureORAwalks provide walking tours of temperate rainforests. Includes interpretation of flora and fauna and how Maori used the resources of the forests.
details
Moehiwa Horse Ventures Ltd
Noeline Wallace, 73 Poihipi Road Taupo
Kia ora. Willie, Noeline and family welcome you to share a personal in-depth riding experience over 2500 acres of farmland. We work in partnership with our horses in a non stressful holistic manner.
details
Rotoiti Tours Ltd
Moana Moore, State Highway 30, Lake Rotoiti
Tucked away in a secluded Tapuaekura Bay is our family marae Rakeiao, situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Rotoiti. We have been hosting mainly overseas guests for nearly 13 years and offer an unique traditional Maori cultural experience.
details
Ataahua Cultural Tours
Rachael Tata, 3A The Strand, Tauranga
Your Maori tour guide will take you on a trek or climb on Tauranga Moana's icon landmark 'Mauao', hike Papamoa Hills to witness beautiful scenic views, hear historical legends and relevant to local people (tangata whenua).
details
Maori Tours Kaikoura 
Maurice Manawatu, Kaikoura
Join our family for a mixture of laughter and learning, full of the spirit of age old knowledge, yet entirely of today. You will sense the warmest welcome and a refreshing perspective where you are part of a real cultural exchange.
details
Indigenous Trails
Des Harris, 63 Farm Rd, Mt Maunganui
Indigenous Trails offers a wide range of tours to destinations throughout Aoteaora - New Zealand that are not on traditional touring routes. Indigenous Trails is Maori owned and operated.
details
Footprints Waipoua Cultural Tour
Koro Carman, 29 State Highway 12, Opononi, Hokianga, Northland
The spiritual environment of the Waipoua Forest provides a natural stage for an unforgettable encounter with some of the largest remaining kauri trees in the world. 'Step into our World' and let our local guides take you on a memorable journey through nature's stages of evolution, whilst providing a mythological and interactive interpretation of life in the forest.
details
Waimarama Maori Tourism
Denise Prentice, Hawke's Bay
Two Maori Cultural Tours located in and near Napier in the Hawke's Bay. The cultural tours are a unique and fresh way to discover the rich traditions and history of the Maori people with knowledgeable local Maori guides.
