Māori History Tour
- Duration: 3 Hours (approx.)
- Location: Napier , Hawkes Bay
- Product code: PFGM1G
Step into the heart of Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke's Bay) and experience an authentic cultural journey through the stories, landscapes, and living traditions of Ngāti Kahungunu. Led by a Māori guide, this small-group tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the region through the perspective of someone with a deep cultural connection to the land, its history, and its people.
As you travel through Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North, your guide will connect each destination through captivating storytelling, transforming the landscape into a living history. Every stop has been carefully chosen to deepen your understanding of Māori culture and the enduring relationship between people and whenua (land).
Journey to Ōtātara Pā, the largest and one of the most significant Māori pā (fortified village) sites in Te Matau-a-Māui. Once a thriving centre of leadership, trade, and daily life, this sacred place offers sweeping views across the Heretaunga Plains while your guide shares the stories of the people who lived here long before European settlement.
Learn about the Battle of Ōmarunui, an important chapter in Hawke's Bay's history that offers insight into the resilience and experiences of Māori.
In Napier, discover the legend of Pania of the Reef, one of Aotearoa's most treasured Māori legends, before visiting Ngā Pou o Heretaunga, where 18 beautifully carved ancestral pou honour the region's marae and generations of whakapapa.
The journey concludes at the summit of Te Mata Peak, where breathtaking panoramic views are matched by the powerful story of Te Mata o Rongokako, the sleeping giant whose legacy is forever etched into the landscape.
More than a sightseeing tour, this is an opportunity to experience Māori culture through authentic storytelling, meaningful places, and genuine connection. You'll leave with a deeper appreciation of Te Matau-a-Māui, its people, and the stories that continue to shape this remarkable region.
Tour highlights
Explore Ōtātara Pā, the region's largest Māori pā site
Hear the story of the Battle of Ōmarunui
Discover the legend of Pania of the Reef
Visit Ngā Pou o Heretaunga
Experience the panoramic views and stories of Te Mata Peak
Small-group tour for a more personal experience
To request alternative start times or customised experiences, please contact us after booking.
Nau mai, haere mai—come, journey with us.
