On November 1st we are open from 10am to 5pm

Excursion Bay of islands maori heritage tour at Waitangi (Bay Of Islands)

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

An informative introduction to the history of New Zealand can be experienced on this tour as you learn both the Maori & European stories of their early beginnings. Other highlights include visiting the historic Kerikeri Basin, walking amongst the enormous Kauri trees and being welcomed onto a traditional Maori Marae (Meeting House), where the customs of the local tribe will be explained.


Kerikeri

Get acquainted with the rich traditions and culture of the Maori people, who have lived in this area for more than 800 years. After tendering to the wharf, you will be welcomed by your Maori guide and transferred to nearby Kerikeri. Stop for photos of the historic Kerikeri Basin, where two of New Zealand's oldest buildings are located, Kemp House and the Stone Store. Continue through the picturesque town of Kerikeri, well known for its citrus orchards, to the beautiful Puketi Forest.


Puketi Forest

Enjoy a short walk in the forest, which has many towering kauri trees, the largest of New Zealand's native trees. Once covering the whole of Northland, the kauri was grossly exploited for building timber in the late 19th century and there are now very few fine specimens of this gigantic tree still around.


Traditional Marae

A special highlight will be a visit to a traditional Maori, Marae, or meeting place. You will drive through the lush green Northland countryside to the Marae. Here you will experience a traditional Maori welcome before entering the richly carved meeting house of the Maori people. The elders of the tribe will explain the carvings and the traditions of the Maori people to you. They trace their ancestry back to the Maori voyages to New Zealand from Polynesia, approximately 800 years ago. Juice or water will be served at the Marae.


Waitangi Reserve

Return to the Bay of Islands via Waimate North where, for a short time in the late 1830s and early 1840s, the influential Anglican Church established its New Zealand headquarters. Finally, pass by the many locations around Paihia and the Waitangi Reserve where Maori ancestors fiercely debated the Treaty of Waitangi - New Zealand's founding document, and to a viewpoint overlooking the grounds, before returning to the pier.


Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, approximately 500 yards (457 metres), with a few steps to climb. Participating guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair, able to get on and off the coach via steps, may not be able to access all of the sites. The order of sites seen may vary. If there is a tangi (funeral) the guests may visit a different Marae.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Kerikeri Basin, Stone Store, Puketi Forest, local Marae