Cultural

Wairakei Terraces will entertain and educate, leaving you in awe of nature’s capacity to be fashioned yet still retaining a naturalness that is pleasing to the eye as well as the senses. A guided or self-tour incorporates features of geothermal and Māori cultural interest, notably carvings that depict the history of New Zealand and Māori, and the first ever man-made silica terraces reminiscent of the iconic pink and white versions of Tarawera. Experience the very cornerstone of Māori custom and culture. Begin a journey into the mysterious world of our Māori people and participate in a traditional welcome, a guided terraces tour which includes demonstrations of traditional Māori art and craft, a traditional ‘Hangi’ meal, and a spectacular performance of song, dance and haka.

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou kātoa, ngā mihi nui kia koutou, naumai haere mai ki te moana o Rotorangi, ki te wharenui o Ariari. The Ariari Lodge Homestead and Lake View Chalets are designed with relaxation and comfort in mind. Revitalise and re-energise with a relaxing stay. Located in a scenic paradise where the only sound is the call of native birds, Ariari Lodge in Taranaki brings together nature and culture to deliver a luxury New Zealand experience.

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey with us as we welcome you into the Māori world. Experiencing another culture can be interesting and informative but we want to leave you excited, impressed and satisfied you chose to experience our style. We express ourselves so that you can feel our ihi - our magnetism. It is our pleasure to entertain and entice your senses in a way that is educational, informative and enlivening. We are in the business of haka and haka resources. We can provide a mobile service for your special occasion or conference to welcome you and your guests to an event in our region.

We teach our surf students about surfing life in New Zealand. We offer a full week of surf lessons, surf cinema, meteorology talks from our local radio weather man, a cultural exchange at local marae that includes a powhiri and karakia to keep our students safe in the water. We conduct beach clean ups and donate our time to give back to the local community - oh and we cook! As a chef with 30 years experience who loves to teach our international students about the local kaimoana (seafood) delicacies like the tuatua that lay right under our feet as we surf.

At the beginning of the 19th Century, Ngāti Waewae, a tribal affiliate of Ngai Tahu, laid claim to the ownership of the West Coast through conquest. Today Ngāti Waewae are centred at Arahura Pa, a Māori Reserve, where the people are known as kaitiaki (guardians) of pounamu (greenstone). Ngāti Waewae occupation has been sustained by the beautiful treasure known as pounamu, a prized possession of their people. Waewae Pounamu is totally owned and operated by Ngāti Waewae, which lies within the heart of "Greenstone Isle" – Te Waipounamu, the South Island of New Zealand.

TIME Unlimited Tours (“To Integrate Māori Experiences”) is one of New Zealand’s most iconic tour operators and one of the country’s most-awarded tourism businesses. They take their manuhiri (guests) on a wonderful journey through Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) and throughout Aotearoa (New Zealand). Their highly-personal, small group and private tours in various top-end Mercedes vehicles and highly-qualified guides showcase their stunning home that is New Zealand. They offer Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tours, Auckland Highlights Tours, Auckland West Coast Tours, Auckland Māori Tours and Guided Wilderness Walks in the Auckland region. Their Private Luxury Tours explore world-famous destinations as well as many hidden gems around New Zealand.

Whanganui River Adventures is a local tourism business owned by locals Ken & Josephine Haworth based in the small river village of Pipiriki on the banks of the Whanganui River. We share stories of the river passed down to us and our local whanau staff, keeping our tours and the service we offer unique and authentic. Our personalised tours are scenic and involve our local history and stories of the river. Experience the river and the surrounding environment by jet boat, canoe, kayak, mountain bike, or walk. We offer a range of accommodation options.

Franz Josef Glacier Guides is an internationally recognized guiding operation that prides itself on providing the most incredible glacier experience.  We make a clear commitment to our visitors that our trip is the most spectacular and rewarding available, walking up into the glacier terrain with your experienced guide is a once a lifetime opportunity.  We have a range of trips to suit every ability, from a valley walk, to Ice Explorer and Heli Hike options and, for the more adventurous ice climbing - there is a trip for almost everyone.

Black Label Experience are a premium organisation committed to bringing visitors to New Zealand and delivering them a travel itinerary of unique and exclusive New Zealand experiences. Founder Tania Stoyanof's career spanning 15 years, her own Maori heritage, client-focused, tourism and event-rich background is the foundation for her belief that “When you entrust Black Label with your New Zealand Experience, you can be assured you’ll experience the unique nature at New Zealand’s heart …and never ever forget it". 

Awarakau Lodge is family owned and operated by Greg and Rosemarie. They offer guided tours for small groups (up to 12 guests) giving a more personal touch to the experience of visiting the Chatham Islands, while also catering for the needs of the independent traveler. Greg's guided tours include historical, cultural, and geological sites of interest around the island. Meanwhile, Rosemarie will be back at the Lodge preparing home cooked farm style meals for you. Your hosts will make sure your stay at Awarakau Lodge a memorable one.