Two Island Discovery - 12 day tour
MAORI JOURNEYS
“TWO ISLANDS DISCOVERY”
This is a ‘special interests’ 12 day journey that extends across the two main islands of Aotearoa New Zealand - the North Island Te Ika a Maui and the South Island Te Wai-pou-namu. The “Two Islands Discovery” experience is aimed at groups and individuals who have an interest in indigenous knowledge pertaining to traditional healing practices, education and enterprise.
A blend of activities provides a synergetic mix that not only connects you with the New Zealand landscape but embraces you into the Maori world to experience a truly unique cultural exchange with the indigenous people of the land.
You will visit indigenous learning centres, traditional healing clinics and Maori business enterprises giving you the opportunity to engage and interact with Maori professionals, teachers, health practitioners and local tribal community groups and individuals within the region.
The Two Islands Discovery Journey takes you into the environment of the people of the land to relate and share ideas on culture, history, indigenous knowledge, traditional healing and education. If you have a yearning to connect culturally and spiritually with the land and its people then this is the journey for you.
Day 1 Arrive Auckland New Zealand
Travel to your accommodation where you will be met by your tour host and provided with your tour information pack.
Overnight
Day 2 Depart Auckland – New Plymouth
Depart Auckland airport for New Plymouth where you will receive a traditional greeting. Cultural exchange activities have been arranged at a traditional healing clinic and tertiary education learning centre.
Overnight
Day 3 New Plymouth
Today you will take a journey to the lower plateau of Mount Taranaki and visit several other sacred sites located around the region. Following this you will experience a cultural exchange visit with families living in a traditional Maori village.
Overnight
Your tour today includes a visit to a carved Maori dwelling place, where the intricacies of the indigenous art work will be told to you in storytelling form by a tribal elder of the area. An opportunity to do some gift shopping is provided with visits to local Maori art, confectionary and leather & fur outlets.
Overnight
Day 5 New Plymouth
Your journey of discovery continues this morning with a visit to an indigenous early childhood education learning centre. The afternoon is free for leisure activities of your own choosing. Please refer to your tour information pack for optional tours but note that these tour options are not covered in the price of the The Two Islands Discovery Journey.
Overnight (dinner & show)
Day 6 New Plymouth – Blenheim
Today the second stage of your journey begins with a flight via Wellington to Blenheim in the South Island to experience a cultural exchange with the local tribal people working in Maori health and wellness. The visit will be followed by a mussel cruise in the Marlborough Sounds.
Overnight (dinner, breakfast)
Day 7 Blenheim – Kaikoura
Your activities for the day include visits to a Maori owned mussel processing plant, a cultural exchange at an exquisitely carved and decorated marae and a scenic tour of the district before arriving at a Cultural Retreat Centre.
Overnight (dinner, breakfast)
Day 8 Kaikoura
Today’s activities include exploring the coastal village of Kaikoura and a guided tour to ancestral sites of the Kati Kuri tribe.
Overnight (dinner, breakfast)
A leisure day to spend as you choose. Please refer to your tour information pack for optional tours but note that these tour options are not covered in the price of the The Two Islands Discovery Journey. As this is your last evening in Kaikoura a farewell banquet is planned and according to traditional custom you may be asked to sing for your supper.
Overnight (dinner & entertainment, breakfast)
Day 10 Kaikoura – Christchurch – Dunedin
The day starts early with your departure from Kaikoura by coach to travel to Christchurch airport for your flight to Dunedin. A visit has been arranged for you to meet with local tribal elders, students and faculty members of the School of Indigenous Studies and the Medical School of Otago University.
Overnight
Day 11 Dunedin
Today’s activities include a scenic tour of Dunedin and the outlying coastal areas. A cultural exchange and farewell banquet with the people of the tribal area will take place in the evening.
Overnight (dinner)
tours per year are scheduled to operate on the 1st March, 30th June &
Warrior Mountains - 8 Day Tour
“THE WARRIOR MOUNTAINS”
There are many stories to be told, there are many journeys to be made and we invite you to join us on a 7 day journey to The Warrior Mountains.
Meet our storytellers and listen as they reveal the legendary love story of Pihanga (the beautiful maiden mountain at the centre of the story) and the male mountains who fought for her love.
Beginning in the eight Heartbeats of Te Arawa we follow the trail of Taranaki who after his battle with Tongariro, went underground in his retreat to the west coast of the North Island, gouging the land and forming the Whanganui River on his way. He eventually came to rest in the arms of Pou-a-kai held in quiet repose…… until the next time.
Themed against the well known Maori legend of New Zealand’s North Island volcanoes, this journey features the mountains Pihanga, Tarawera, Tongariro, Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe & Taranaki.
The mountains and tribal regions in which they are located are showcased and spoken of by the tribal storytellers of the areas, each profiling differences in culture, scenery and attractions yet clearly identifying how they are all closely bound together by this very powerful legend. Combining many of Maoridoms’ most amazing tourist attractions this tour goes deep into the psyche of the visitor by offering new and authentic experiences on a level that touches the soul in a very special and spiritual way.
Travel to your accommodation at the Airedale Hotel where you will be met by your tour host and provided with your tour information pack.
Overnight
Day 2 Depart Auckland – Rotorua – Wairakei
Depart by coach to Rotorua where your storytelling experience begins with your storyteller Huru of Tribal Footprints. Huru is a descendant of the Tuhourangi and Ngati Whakaue tribes. As you travel to significant sites of the area taking in the amazing geothermal landscape including Mount Tarawera, the blue and green lakes, the Buried Village and a traditional living village, your imagination is captured as Huru relates the legendary love story of Tarawera and the beautiful maiden mountain, Pihanga. At the conclusion of your experience in Rotorua your coach will depart for Wairakei.
Overnight (dinner & cultural experience)
Day 3 Depart Wairakei – Tongariro National Park
Travel today includes a very special invitation from Parerohi of Te Whare o Koura to meet with her at her home. Parerohi is a highly regarded elder of the Tuwharetoa tribe. You will be taken on a magnificent storytelling experience that describes the love, passion and determination of Mount Tongariro for Pihanga and his strength and stamina to waylay the pursuit of all the other mountains for Pihanga’s love. Your coach will depart for Tongariro National Park at the conclusion of your storytelling experience with Parerohi.
Overnight (dinner & a storytelling experience)
The coach will depart Tongariro National Park and travel along the Wanganui River to Whanganui City. Your storytelling experience will continue for the duration of the journey as the story of the river, how it was created and its connection to The Warrior Mountains legendary love story is related. You will arrive at your indigenous lodgings and be formally welcomed in the traditional manner.
Overnight (Maori cuisine, entertainment & river city night tour)
After breakfast you will have the opportunity to take a cruise on the breathtakingly beautiful Wanganui River before departing the region for the next stage of the journey which takes you to Taranaki. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit a museum and do some shopping. You will also be taken to the sacred site of the guidestone Rauhoto Tapairu where you will be officially met and welcomed by the storyteller of the area. Allow your senses to be transported on a spiritual journey as you hear how the guidestone faithfully accompanied and led Mount Taranaki to his current resting place located in the west coast of the North Island following his battle with Tongariro.
Overnight
Day 6 New Plymouth
Leisure Day – refer to your tour information pack for optional tours (please note that these tour options are not covered in the price of the Warrior Mountains tour experience).
Overnight
Day 7 New Plymouth
Today you will visit a traditional Maori village where your storyteller will explain the concept of peace and the connection of The Warrior Mountains legendary love story and the tribal people associated with the Mount Taranaki. You will hear how the mountain energy spirit of peace, harmony, balance and equilibrium is reflected and maintained by the people of the land when faced with conflict or challenge. On departing the village you will travel up to the lower plateau of Mount Taranaki to experience first hand your own spiritual connection to the mountain and to take the opportunity to ponder and reflect on each of the storytelling experiences you have had whilst on The Warrior Mountains journey. Finally, a coastal tour en route to your accommodation includes shopping visits to a local leather factory that specialises in environmentally produced fur and leather products, a Maori Art studio, a local gallery that produces world class rainbow pearl jewellery and a visit to the Puke Ariki Museum.
Overnight (banquet dinner & dramatised performance of the Warrior Mountains)
(unless you plan to travel to another NZ destination)
One tour is scheduled on the 1st of each month commencing in November 2007 until May 2008.
Ancient Trails - 6 Day Tour
“ANCIENT TRAILS”
There comes a time when the mist clears and the majesty of the mountain is seen. Should you be overcome with melancholy cast a glance at Taranaki, for there you will see a whisper of smoke and you will know it was I Tahurangi, son of Taranaki who first climbed the mountain to light the symbolic cultural fires of occupation (ahika) and sovereignty (rangatiratanga). There stands Taranaki Mountain, the sheltering buffer from the cold south wind.
This is the story of the family of mountains called Taranaki, Pouakai, Patuwha, Kaitake, Panatahi and Paritutu, with Parininihi on the northern border and Matemate-a-onga on the eastern border.
From the mountains to the sea, the rainforests, bush and rivers in between the 6 day Ancient Trails experience offers a truly unique spiritual journey whilst in the presence of tribal elders as they relate stories, legends and events of the past that connect the people of the region to their surrounding landscape.
Day 2 Depart Auckland for Tongaporutu, Taranaki Region
Depart by coach and travel to Taranaki via Hamilton city and the Waikato Region. You will be hosted by a local family at the small coastal community of Tongaporutu.
Overnight (dinner and storytelling experience)
Day 3 Depart Tongaporutu for Coastal Taranaki
An early morning departure from Tongaporutu is necessary for your timely arrival at a traditional Maori village. You will experience a powhiri (the traditional welcome to you as an honoured guest) as you enter the grounds of one of the communal dwelling areas of the village. You will be invited to participate in the gathering of families who have come together to acknowledge passive peace resistance efforts made in the area for the last 150 years. You also have the opportunity to experience the spiritual presence of elders as they relate stories of history, tradition and culture throughout the day.
Overnight (dinner and storytelling experience)
Experience again the spirit of the traditional welcome (powhiri) as you are formally invited to enter the grounds of another communal dwelling area of the village. You will be taken on a guided tour of the village grounds and its surroundings before being invited to join the families of the house who have gathered for the occasion. You will be invited to participate with family and friends in the feast (hakari) and at the conclusion of the meal a traditional farewell ceremony (poroporoaki) will take place prior to your departure from the village.
Overnight (dinner & storytelling)
Day 5 South Taranaki – Trails of the Ancestors
The coach will depart after breakfast to take you to experience a mountain forest walk on the trails of the ancestors. The trails were used by the ancestors when they sought traditional bush medicines for wellness or went to the sacred waterfall for ceremonial and traditional healing rituals. Your next visit will be to view some of the traditional food gathering and fishing areas used by Maori people in the past and which are still utilised by the families today. You will also be introduced to some of the traditional rituals engaged in to ensure a good harvest for the families. Other visits for the day include the opportunity for shopping at a local leather factory that specialises in environmentally produced fur and leather products, a Maori Art studio, a local gallery that produces world class rainbow pearl jewellery and a visit to the Puke Ariki Museum.
Overnight (dinner & cultural performance)
(unless you plan to travel to another NZ destination)
A Mountain like Fuji - 6 Day Tour
“TARANAKI A MOUNTAIN LIKE FUJI”
Taranaki and Fuji are two mountains of similar shape and energy, composed of hardened volcanic rock and are of the earth. Both come from the same source and beginnings of all other living matter, but are located in different parts of our world.
For both nations, Maori and Japanese, these two mountains are symbolic of a very special, symbolic, spiritual, cultural and physical connection to landscape, water, nature and space through universal lore.
Maori Journeys offers you the opportunity to experience over 6 memorable days the very best attractions the region of Taranaki has to offer. A skilful blend of Maori culture, mountain and marine activities, garden, art and museum tours are mixed with seeing first-hand the amazing scenery that featured in a recent Hollywood epic movie filmed in the Taranaki region called The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise.
Travel to your accommodation at the Airedale Hotel where you will be met by your tour host and provided with your tour information pack.
Overnight
Day 2 Depart Auckland for New Plymouth, Taranaki Region
Your coach will depart Auckland to travel to Taranaki via Hamilton city and the Waikato Region. On the way you will stop at the Waitomo Caves to experience the Ruakuri tour which takes you on a journey into the realms of an underworld universe to listen to the ancient drum beat of the earth. Your journey resumes and you will be enchanted by the beautiful landscape and coastline which accompanies you to The Last Samurai Movie location at Uruti. Here you will be met by your storyteller Sue who will guide you around the site and relate wonderful stories of the events that took place while the movie was being filmed. Your last stop is a tour of the Whitecliff Organic Brewery which includes light refreshments of an award winning ale accompanied by delicious tasting cuisine. Your coach will resume the journey to your hotel accommodation.
Overnight
Day 3 New Plymouth
You will board your coach after breakfast to resume your tour of the Taranaki region. You will visit a traditionally carved house (Wharenui) and be captivated by the beautiful artwork displayed on the carvings. Continue your journey taking a coastal tour of the region which includes shopping visits to a local leather factory that specialises in environmentally produced fur and leather products, a Maori Art studio, a local gallery that produces world class rainbow pearl jewellery and a visit to the Puke Ariki Museum. Today’s tour will conclude with a visit to a Maori village where you will be formally welcomed in the traditional manner after which you will be returned to your hotel accommodation.
Overnight
Day 4 New Plymouth
The day begins with a stop at the visitors centre at Mount Taranaki and the opportunity to walk to the sacred waterfall if you wish. On the way you will be introduced to the medicinal aspects of the bush plants which are traditionally used for healing purposes by the local tribes. After refreshments the tour continues with visits to local lakes and gardens, the museum and an art gallery before returning to your hotel accommodation.
Day 5 New Plymouth
Leisure Day – refer to your tour information pack for optional tours (please note that these tour options are not covered in the price of Taranaki A Mountain Like Fuji tour experience).
Overnight (banquet gala dinner)
(unless you plan to travel to another NZ destination)
Cultural Adventure - 7 Day Tour
“Cultural Adventure”
Incorporating stories, songs, chants and poetry to combine the very best of cultural adventure tourism experiences, this 6 day journey follows many ancient Maori trails in the Taranaki and Wanganui regions.
Maori Journeys has been developed to support existing activities and attractions and confidently includes established adventure experiences into its Cultural Adventure package such as a mountain bush trek, a mountain adventure cycle tour, black water and/or white water rafting, horse trekking, a 2 day river kayak excursion and lots more. If you’re looking to experience a fine blend of action and adventure mixed with indigenous storytelling, culture and history from the people of the land then this is the journey for you.
Travel to your accommodation at the Airedale Hotel where you will be met by your tour host and provided with your tour information pack.
Day 2 Depart Auckland for Tongaporutu, Taranaki Region
Depart by coach and travel to Taranaki via Hamilton city and the Waikato Region. You will be hosted by a family at the small coastal community of Tongaporutu where your cultural adventure experiences begin with black water rafting, horse trekking and a touch of culture.
Overnight (dinner & storytelling, breakfast)
Day 3 Depart Tongaporutu for Coastal excursion to Te Hawera
Early morning farewells to the hosting family and departure from Tongaporutu to travel to New Plymouth are necessary to get as much out of your day as possible. Today you have the opportunity to climb Paritutu Rock which is Taranaki’s most ancient mountain, swim and/or surf in our fantastic ocean before travelling along Surf Highway 45 to Te Hawera. On the way you will have the opportunity to visit a local leather factory that specialises in environmentally produced fur and leather products, a Maori Art studio, a local gallery that produces world class rainbow pearl jewellery and the Puke Ariki Museum before arriving at your indigenous lodgings where you will be formally welcomed in the traditional manner and hosted by families of the tribal area.
Overnight (dinner & storytelling, breakfast)
It’s another early start with departure after breakfast to go to Mount Taranaki where you will be taken on a guided mountain bush walk, followed by an adventure cycle tour down the mountain. Your guide will introduce you to many of the traditional and cultural aspects of the mountain including the trail to the sacred waterfall, native medicinal healing plants and many of the myths and legends passed on to him by his elders. You will then travel to Whanganui where you will be formally welcomed in the traditional manner and hosted by a local family of the tribal area.
Overnight (dinner & cultural performance, breakfast)
Day 5 Whanganui
After breakfast farewells will be exchanged prior to your departure to commence a 2 day guided kayak experience on the Wanganui River which includes an overnight stay at a traditional Maori dwelling located on the river bank.
Overnight (dinner & storytelling, breakfast)
Day 6 Whanganui
Following breakfast, the river journey experience continues at a leisurely pace so that you can appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. You will meet your coach driver who will transport you to your lodge accommodation for your final evening.
Overnight (dinner & leisure)
Day 7 Depart Whanganui for Auckland via Tongariro National and
Tours are scheduled to depart on the 8th of each month between November and May 2008.
