Art and Culture in New Zealand

Experience the Māori side of Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) on this enlightening private tour. Discover a landscape rich with Māori myths and legends, a place steeped in the history, both ancient and modern. Visit the region’s important Māori landmarks and monuments, practice some Māori kawa (protocols) and tikanga (culture), learn about some of the rangatira Māori (Māori leaders) who have shaped the nation’s history, as well as seeing some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, black and golden sand beaches, subtropical rainforest and native Kauri trees.

Enjoy a private half-day tour of Auckland, with its a vibrant arts scene and interesting history. It’s a great introduction to the New Zealand contemporary art scene as well as the colonial history of Auckland.

Mount Titiraupenga, long known by Māori to be the centre of the North Island, is home to a sacred area of mature native bush filled with 600-year-old Totara trees. You’ll receive a traditional Māori welcome in this mystical and totally private setting and gain an insight into their culture, meeting weavers, warriors, and carvers. The main warrior is the master carver for the local Ngati Tuwharetoa tribe. In Māori tribes, the carver is second only to the chief as the carver is the guardian of the stories and traditions, which he keeps alive in his work.

Enjoy a scenic drive from Rotorua to Whakatane on the east coast. Board a boat to visit Moutohorā (Whale Island), a dormant volcano and a wildlife sanctuary, providing refuge for endangered birds and several species of plants. You will also visit a beautifully carved Māori marae (meeting house) where you will meet some of the people of Ngati Awa. Listen to stories of their ancestors and be enthralled as the carvings and legends are brought to life.

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, also known simply as Te Papa, is New Zealand’s innovative and interactive national museum. Spend some time on a tour with a host who will help you to experience New Zealand’s unique history in the Māori exhibition spaces of the museum, learning about the nation’s past by exploring the stories and objects of the Māori people. Behind the scenes you will be privileged to engage with Māori taonga (treasures) close up and you will be provided with the opportunity to interact with the expert collections staff

A must for any film lover, this tour allows you to get up close to the props, weapons, armour and vehicles crafted for The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, District 9, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia and more. You’ll also enjoy a three-course meal at CoCo at the Roxy and dine among incredible artworks, movie memorabilia and sculptures.