Excursion Maori cultural walking tour tour at Wellington

See Te Whanganui a Tara, the Maori name for Wellington Harbour, from the perspective of the mana whenua – the indigenous people who claim ancient historical rights over the land.

This fascinating two-hour walk begins with a shuttle ride from Wellington’s modern cruise port to a different waterfront district with deep roots in the Maori culture. The area known as Te Aro Pa was one of the city’s largest Maori communities until the 1880s, and your walk begins at Te Raukura-Te Wharewaka o Po¯neke, a landmark building located on what was once its harbor frontage. With your local guide providing the narration, take a walk through and learn about the various design elements of the Te Raukura building and its connection to the legendary Polynesian explorer Kupe, original discoverer of New Zealand per Maori oral history.

A standout among the many intriguing takeaways from this amble into another culture’s stories is the one depicting the two taniwha (supernatural dragon-like beings) who shaped Wellington’s harbor eons ago. Another highlight is your exclusive access to the excavations underway at a 200-year-old whare ponga archaeological site.

By the tour’s end, you’ll be well-informed about the environmental and cultural influence the ancient Ma¯ori culture still has on modern Wellington’s urban landscape.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen include: Te Aro Pa, Te Raukura-Te Wharewaka o Po¯neke, Te Raukura building, exclusive excavation access

Note

Please note: This active excursion involves substantial standing and approximately 2 km /1.25 mi of walking over mostly paved surfaces. The tour is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair or have limited mobility. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. The order of sights and activities may vary.