Nativ ConnectioNZ – Real Māori Experiences

Take a trip off the beaten path as you dive into the authentic Māori culture with Nativ ConnectioNZ in Whakatāne. When you book their Kai Ora Authentic Hāngi Experience, you’ll participate with the locals to prepare a truly authentic Hāngi feast, cooked in the ground atop hot volcanic rocks, which typically takes around 2-3 hours underground to fully cook. While you wait, your knowledgeable guide will take your small group around Whakatāne where you’ll experience and learn about some of the powerful history and culture of the area.

Your first stop will be an award-winning museum and exhibition center for the Te Koputu Gallery Alive Māori Museum Experience. Enjoy an intimate guided tour from knowledgeable hosts as they take you through history with stories, artifacts and exhibits displaying the historical journey of its people.

Leaving Te Koputu, you’ll head to the river banks of the Whakatāne for the Awa Korero Māori River Walk Experience. Walk the footsteps of the Māori ancestors and visit some of their most sacred sites, including a swampy wetland which helped define the cultural arts, an ancient fishing village, and the sand dunes of Ōpihi where some of their famous chiefs’ bones were laid to rest. You’ll also have the opportunity to view a replica of a carved Māori war canoe, cast out fishing lines, and connect with locals as you sit along the river’s banks.

This adventure’s finale concludes by enjoying the hospitality of your host as you share your Hāngi meal with your new found tour friends.

Cost for this tour is $125 per adult, $60 per child, however, each portion of this tour is available to experience separately to fit your budget and time allowance. Tours run daily but have a minimum 4 person booking to commence. Visit their website for more information and get connected!