Cultural

Whanganui River Māori Guides are a Māori cultural tour company who specialise in running waka and jet boat tours.

Their core values focus on deep cultural and spiritual connection to the taiao (environment), and as tangata whenua (people of the land) their objective is to enrich manuhiri (visitors) with the historic, present and future aspirations of the awa (river).
Through the sharing of kōrero, waiata and karakia, their kaitiaki (cultural navigators) will take you on a journey and leave you with a better understanding of te ao Māori (the Māori world view).

“Ko au te awa ko te awa ko au"
“I am the river and the river is me.”

Join Whanganui River Canoes for a three- to five-day canoe/kayak trip on the Whanganui River. You can choose to 'do it yourself' with a freedom hire, or have their guides cater to you and show you the best spots along the river.

Tracy, Linda ansd their team are locals who travel the Whanganui River Road daily, delivering the rural mail and offering unique scenic tours such as the 'Mail Run' & 'Bridge to Nowhere'. They also have a cycle trail tour which includes fully supported 'Mountains to Sea - Nga Ara Tūhono' adventures, river journeys and more.

One of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations for a reason, Whakarewarewa offers an unforgettable, intimate and authentic day-time experience for all ages. 

Home to the Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao people, residents have been welcoming and sharing their enviable way of life for over 130 years. This living Maori village is steeped in rich history and traditions that have been handed down through generations.

Join us for the experience of a lifetime on the stunning Kapiti Coast. Right on the doorstep of Kapiti Island, sailing and paddling a holopuni on the Kapiti Marine Reserve will leave you spellbound!

The holopuni – meaning to venture everywhere – is a unique sailing craft, a fusion of modern and traditional Hawaiian outrigger design. Built to harness the wind and current, our experienced holopuni skippers provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages and ability. 

For the freedom of solitary adventure, book our solo tour or share the moment with a couple or group booking.  

Garth Wilson Jade offers a tour through the workshop so the visitor can see how the pounamu is worked and learn about the history of the pounamu here on the West Coast from a direct descendant of the original pounamu traders.  Handle pounamu stones collected from different areas here on the West Coast, learn the history, the meaning of the shapes and, if desired, purchase an authentic piece of handcrafted pounamu.

At The Exquisite Group, we recognise every person's luxury is different.  We curate bespoke, luxury experiences throughout Aotearoa for the discerning client ensuring we understand their needs whilst also focussing on the Tiaki of our whenua and ensuring they have the opportunity to return. We are a full Destination Management Company, bringing together all the services required to meet the clients wishes from when they first arrive through to their departure, providing exclusive experiences for whatever they wish, at the same time supporting our fellow members of NZMT and wanting them to return with friends and whānau in the future.

Learn the stories, taste the food, and meet new friends. Join us for Māori-context experiences and follow in the footsteps of our tupuna. We are a local whānau-based business who value the importance of knowledge in bringing understanding. We engage in cultural experiences, interacting with local communities. Join us on day and multi-day experiences exploring the history, customs (tīkanga), stories (kōrero) and the natural world around us (taiao). We will customise experiences for your organisation’s needs. Ideal for community and educational groups (including service learning), life-style village residents and whānau groups.

Our purpose is to engage, inspire and elevate the lives of those with whom we cross paths. To welcome strangers as friends, to bestow exceptional service, to open doors to unforgettable and unexpected experience, and to create opportunities for genuine connections with our local people.
Check In believes local knowledge is key to maximising your experience when you're planning your next Queenstown getaway. Check In is your local concierge for any occasion.

Unique Whanganui River Experiences offers unique educational and immersive one and multi-day experiences on the Whanganui River. The fully hosted, Māori experiences are guided by trained Awa (river) navigators. Spend up to 16 hours traversing the beautiful Awa in a canoe, while learning about the rich history, kai, and kōrero. Visit the website or call us to learn more.