Prepare to be entertained and enlightened as we share with you more than 800 years of unbroken family history and tradition in Kaikoura.
We offer meaningful experiences specially designed to give you insight into our culture, history, traditions and spiritual values as well an understanding of how we view the natural world.
You'll sense the warmest welcome as we invite you to 'Stand in the Heart of the Day' with our family; where our visitors become friends in the personal and natural way we tell our stories.
Enjoy a refreshing perspective where no two tours are quite the same because our guests are individuals and each brings something unique to the day.
We just heard we've been awarded 'Best Cultural Experience in NZ' - for the third year running - 2009, 2010 & now 2011. This is awarded by travellers who post reviews on the Rankers website.
We share this award with the Maori Tours Kaikoura team, all our family, friends and industry colleagues. We wouldn't even be here today if not for their continued support.
And special thanks also to all our guests who took time to log on and give their feedback. You can see what they're saying by visiting www.rankers.co.nz .
HALF DAY TOUR
Ranked BEST Cultural Experience in New Zealand 2009, 2010 and 2011
Awarded 2011 TRIPADVISOR Certificate of EXCELLENCE
A winning combination of laughter and learning that combines storytelling with hands on activities and a bushwalk to discover traditional uses of trees and plants as food and medicine.
Kaikoura is an area of immense natural beauty and rich Maori history. You will travel by small coach to visit some of our most special places and we'll introduce you to them through our eyes, sharing secrets of the landscape through the stories of our ancestors - stories that have been handed down for many generations - stories that will leave you smiling and amazed.
You'll be involved right from the start - join in customs & traditions and learn our ways like weaving with the native harakeke (flax) plant and learning a Maori greeting.
Midway through we'll stop for light refreshments and then travel to one of Kaikoura's bush walkways where passionate guides will share knowledge about the use of plants. As more than 90% of New Zealand's native bush is endemic you'll be in a landscape found nowhere else in the natural world.
Join us and be part of a real cultural exchange, widely regarded as one of the world's finest indigenous tours. As your day concludes you will have gained a rare insight and understanding of Maori people, our history and way of life, and we'll give you a small memento to remember us and to share with your own family and friends.
With a maximum of 10 guests at a time you can be assured a personal and intimate journey into our world.
Departs twice daily all year round at 9:00am and 1:30pm - allow approximately 3.5 hours.
Book early to avoid disappointment - advance booking is essential.
Half Day Tour Price
Valid to 31 March 2012
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Child
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Note: Prices are quoted in NZ dollars and inclusive of GST
Minimum Numbers Apply - Private Party and Group Rates available
Child rate up to and including 15 years. The tour
is not recommendede for very young children
"Outstanding insight into culture, past, present and future - excellent hosts."
(Chicka Turner - Townsville, Australia)
GROUP TOURS
We can cater for groups of up to 50 guests by prior arrangement. We are happy to tailor the experience to your specific interests. Tours can be arranged from 1.5 hours to a full day with lunch.
Please contact for further details or to make a reservation for your group: groups@maoritours.co.nz
EDUCATIONAL TOURS FOR GROUPS
There's no better way to learn than hands on practical experience. Our half day tour is ideal for student groups - both New Zealand based and international - and we can cater to all levels from Primary to Tertiary students. We have built lasting relationships with several educators, many returning to us on an annual basis.
"The experie
nce is one of sensitive treatment of history from a very personal point of view. It is informative without being "threatening" and this elicits a very positive response from students. The introduction to Maori culture and tradition is highlighted by involving the group and linking them and their places to Kaikoura and traditional practices. They quickly become a part of the procedures, no longer mere observers."
(Dr Patrick Devlin, Associate Professor, Environment Society and Design Division - Lincoln University)
"Maori Tours is an absolutely essential part of our educational travel programs, as it teaches our students about Maori culture and history in a way that no other experience can. Our students rate this tour as one of the highlights of their whole New Zealand experience." (Dr Laura Sessions - AUIP Ltd)
Please contact us and we will work with you to provide just what you are looking for: learn@maoritours.co.nz
SINGLE PARTY BOOKINGS
No problem – if you would like a single party booking please contact us. We can work with you to create THE PERFECT experience for you. Price on Application: exclusive@maoritours.co.nz
"A very special and meaningful tour experience that transcends the usual tourist trip and becomes something moving and spiritual." Jim Drevescraft - USA
"One of the best things I've done in New Zealand - an honest and informative trip. Very welcoming and made us feel like individuals."
(Charlotte Bell - UK)
- Payment - Can be made on the day of your tour by Cash / VISA / MasterCard / Bankcard
- Frequency - Tours are scheduled all year round with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day, ANZAC day and Good Friday. Other close out dates may appear on this website from time to time.
- What You Need – Dress for the outdoors and wear comfortable walking shoes. It’s a good idea to bring your sense of humour, camera, drink bottle when it’s warm and a light rain jacket as our weather is changeable.
- Pick Up Service - We offer a complimentary pickup service from your Kaikoura accommodation that covers a 5 kilometre radius from the town centre or if you would prefer we can meet you at the Kaikoura i-Site Visitor Centre
- Cancellation - Please note that tangi (bereavement) of a close family member may cause cancellation as Tangi takes precedent over all other activity in the Maori culture. Extreme weather conditions may also cause cancellation. Every effort will be made to reschedule you in either event.
If you wish to cancel your reservation there will be no charge providing we have a minimum of 24 hours notice. We reserve the right to charge in full for cancellations made within 24 hours of scheduled departure.
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