History

Manaaki Adventures is a New Zealand based outdoors experience tour company delivering guided adventure tours designed specifically for students. We provide exciting and safe experiences that allow students to build self-esteem, confidence, leadership skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

When you venture into our environment you hear the whispers of our ancestors. It is their history, stories, thoughts and memories that guide us. We would like to share these with you. Once you learn about our connection to the land and environment you will better understand our culture. Let the whispers guide you along trails that bring the past to the present for our future. With shared wisdom and knowledge handed down through generations, your guided experience will become a timeless journey.

Queenstown’s Dart River Jet  experiences are unique combinations of breathtaking ‘World Heritage’ scenery, exhilarating wilderness Jet Boating, Māori heritage and inspiring adventure – truly authentic discoveries of everything that makes New Zealand an exceptional destination. Choose the option that suits you best and join us, the only operator on the Dart River, on a diverse adventure travelling deep into the pristine Dart River Valley and spectacular Mt Aspiring National Park to explore this awe-inspiring area.

Explore Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary with Ulva's Guided Walks on Stewart Island, New Zealand. Ulva's Guided Walks was named by the owner, Ulva Goodwillie - who just happens to be named after the Island. Ulva is a direct descendant of the first Māori peoples of Stewart Island and is passionate and very knowledgeable about this special place. Ulva and her team of local guides would love to share their experience with you.

Discover Korora, the Little Blue Penguin in their natural habitat. Takiharuru/Pilots Beach has the largest population of these birds on the Otago Peninsula. See up to 200 penguins returning from sea at dusk.  This 1.5 hour tour includes fascinating insights of the people who lived here long before European arrival and a special 'behind the scenes' look at the penguin habitat and restoration work of the whenua (land) funded entirely by the penguin tours.

Bay Tours Nelson is 110% Kiwi owned and have been looking after visitors to Nelson for over 15 years but are always coming up with new and novel ways to make our visitor experiences even better! We even have our own sheep for our guests to pat if they like. At Bay Tours Nelson we are focused on providing you, our guests, with the most enjoyable stay possible whatever tour you decide to join. Thank you for choosing Bay Tours Nelson. We look forward to sharing this beautiful region with you.

The Mitai family is proud to have created a sacred and spiritual place that offers you an authentic indigenous cultural experience like no other. Enter the world of Mitai, be enthralled by the natural bush setting and learn our history. See warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the wai-o-whiro stream, and see glow worms in their natural habitat. Be captivated by songs, dance, and games in a rich and powerful entertaining cultural concert, complete with the spine tingling haka.

A truly original New Zealand eco-experience. Come to Tatapouri Bay and meet the children of the Māori Sea God - Tangaroa. Walk the reef with our guides and interact with wild stingrays, eagle rays and other reef dwellers. Great family activity. For the more adventurous, snorkelling with the stingrays is mesmerising, with gear and guide included. Bookings are essential.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds welcomes you on a journey of discovery through Aotearoa New Zealand's most important historic site, where in 1840 New Zealand's founding document was signed: the Treaty of Waitangi.

Enjoy an inspiring and interactive full-day experience through Waitangi’s two contemporary museums, powerful Māori cultural performances in an authentic Meeting House, informative guided tours, engaging visitor centre, lush native forest and gardens, inspiring art gallery and carving studio, traditional Māori waka (canoe) and hāngi, tranquil café and so much more, all with stunning views over the Bay of Islands.

The award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a must-do for all visitors to the Bay of Islands.