Footprints Waipoua Cultural Tour

Koro Carman
29 State Highway 12, Opononi, Hokianga, Northland
Tel: (0)9 405-8207

www.footprintswaipoua.co.nz


Email an enquiry

 

Type of tourism activity

Cultural tour, Nature observation

 

Description

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. TWILIGHT ENCOUNTER (4HR TOUR departs 5pm & returns 9pm) Sets out from Hokianga by limousine coach, your Maori guide will brief you on the protocols for your visit to the mighty Waipoua Forest. Stepping into our special world you will be walking under the same stars that guided our ancestor Kupe from legendary Hawaiiki to New Zealand.

On the paths of the forest we meet trees that were already giants before his arrival and that were standing before the birth of Christ. You will experience the affinity that early Maori had with the forest and the deep spiritual respect they hold for the giants still growing there. Learn of the rich bird life and other fauna that inhabits the forest and witness the transitions of life and the day turning into the night. Your Maori guides will relate stories and legends of the forest, of its gods, and other spiritual inhabitants. They will greet the giant trees with spine-tingling waiata (sacred chants). You will learn how Maori used plants for medicinal purposes.

As night falls, the shyest creatures of the forest awaken and begin to go about their work. You may encounter insects like weta, nocturnal birds, eels, fresh-water lobsters or the magnificent but slightly chilling giant carnivorous 'kauri' snail. Deep in the forest among the towering trees and surrounded by the sounds of the nocturnal creatures awakening, you will meet Te Matua Ngahere - 'The Father of the Forest'. At between 3000 and 4000 years old he is the oldest known kauri tree in the world. Your guide will greet this giant as an old friend.

The highlight of the tour will be your meeting with 'The Lord of the Forest' - the giant Tane Mahuta! Your guide will formally greet the silent giant and then suddenly you stand dwarfed before his Lordship as the darkness closes in. His gnarled ancient limbs seem to grasp at the stars and the forest is silent but for the dim chatter of its night creatures.

At the conclusion of this unique encounter you will be returned to your accommodation in the Hokianga.

Available all year round?

Available everyday except Xmas Day & New Years Day

Business Certifications

Qualmark.
Member of the Northland Sustainable Tourism Charter Project

Disabled Access

No

Restrictions

Not recommended for children under 5, although please ask us about our Meet Tane at Night Tour which is a shortened version of our Twilight Encounter tour.

Tariff

$75 Adult $25 Child (not recommended for children under 5)

Directions

Approximately 3.5hrs drive from Auckland Just over 1hrs drive from the Bay of Islands.