Cultural immersion – Mātauranga

From $380

23 hours

Min Age : 16

Whakatane iSite, Quay St, Whakatane 3120

Max People : 25

Nau mai haere mai ki Mātauranga! Welcome to our cultural immersion experience! Encounter authentic Māori culture first-hand. Live and learn from tangata whenua (local people of the land) and become whānau (family). Your experience starts with mihi whakatau (welcome ceremony) followed by paramanawa (afternoon tea). Your kaiārahi (local guide) will then take you on a tour of the grounds explaining customs and protocols. We will then give you some time to set up your bed for the night and settle into the marae a little more. When the hāngī dinner is ready to be pulled up from the underground oven it will be all hands on deck to set up the dinning hall and serve our hākari (feast). After we clear up our dinner dishes we will share mihi (Māori greeting) and waiata (Māori song) finishing off with a relaxation meditation before leaving you to soak in the wairua (spirit) of the marae for the rest of the evening. Day two starts with an early rise, breakfast, and lunch preparation before packing up and heading to our local maunga (mountain)*. A landmark of significance you will ascend to more than 750 metres (2460 feet) over a two-hour hike. At the summit, marvel at the scenic views, hear in depth cultural history and legendary stories, and enjoy your delicious marae made lunch. Your experience concludes with descent of the maunga and final karakia (blessing).

*We also provide the option of a conservation activity, such as track clearing or tree planting, or we are happy to tailor something exclusively for your group. Please let us know how we can help by contacting us or enquiry upon booking.

Whakataukī (Māori proverb): He waka eke noa (We are all in this together).

$380 per person.

Minimum pax.: 10.

Maximum pax.: 25.

Bookings available up to three days before experience date. Late notice bookings may be considered. Please call us on +64 21 379 201 to confirm.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Important note: Please advise of any dietary requests at time of booking to ensure requirements are catered for.

Accommodation. Important note: Our wharenui (guest accommodation) is one large building space that sleeps the entire group.

Showers and toilets.

Bedding, linen, blankets, and towels.

Use of fully equipped kitchen.

Transport throughout duration of the experience.

Clothing.

Footwear.

Toiletries.

Walking sticks/hiking poles.

Casual clothing, and comfortable flat footwear for walking and hiking is recommended. Bring layers for weather changes.

Please consider all types of weather conditions.

Seasonal weather conditions in New Zealand are as follows (source: newzealand.com), Spring (September-November) average daytime temperature: 16-19˚C (61-66˚F). Summer (December-February) average daytime temperature: 20-25˚C (68-77˚F). Autumn/Fall (March-May) average daytime temperature: 17-21˚C (62-70˚F). Winter (June-August) average daytime temperature: 12-16˚C (53-61˚F).

Clothing including sleepwear for overnight stay.

We recommend bringing layers of clothing in case of sudden weather and/or temperature changes.

During autumn/winter months we strongly recommend bringing a warm jacket.

Footwear – Sandals or jandals/flip flops are suitable for the marae in spring/summer months. Closed comfortable footwear for walking/hiking is required for the maunga (mountain) hike, and suitable for autumn/winter months.

Toiletries such as deodorant, soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

Hair dryer/hair straighteners (sorry we do not supply).

Water bottle – We supply a bottle of locally sourced spring water, but you may want to bring your own water bottle to refill.

Hat/cap for spring/summer or beanie for autumn/winter.

Sunglasses.

Small backpack to carry items during maunga (mountain) hike.

We recommend avoiding bringing items of value unless it is intended for them to be carried/secured with you for the duration of the experience, for example phone or camera. Rangitāiki Tours Limited accepts no responsibility for damage or loss of personal possessions, except where have legal obligation to do so.

For health and safety reasons this experience is age restricted to 16 years or older only.

All manuhiri (visitors/guests) must advise of any pre-existing health conditions (e.g. food allergies, asthma, epilepsy, or arthritis etc) or safety concerns prior to experience commencement to ensure we can provide controls measures.

Fitness level needed for maunga (mountain) hike: Good to Excellent.

Degree of difficulty: Moderate to difficult.

Track terrain: Mostly unformed, rough, and steep at times.

Start time: 4.00pm (day one). End time: 3.00pm (day two).

This experience requires a minimum of 10 people to proceed.

Available Tuesday/Wednesday or Thursday/Friday only. Other days may be available upon request. Please contact us or call +64 21 379 201 to enquire further.

Please note WIFI is not available during this experience.

experience start date. Exceptions may be considered, please call us on +64 21 379 201 to confirm.

Optional pick up and drop off from accommodation available – From and to Ōhope: $15pp additional. From and to Rotorua/Tauranga: $50pp additional. Other locations – Please call us on +64 21 379 201 to discuss.

We kindly ask that all manuhiri (visitors/guests) are ready and arrive on time. In the interest of the roopū (tour group) we will not delay if people are late.

More information can be found in our FAQs on Rangitāiki Tours’ website.

In the case of adverse weather conditions (e.g. rain, high winds etc.) a postponement or cancellation call will be made no later than 6pm the evening before the scheduled experience. All manuhiri (visitors/guests) will be notified via email or text and offered credit of equivalent value for future use or refund less 5% administration costs.

Please refer to Rangitāiki Tours’ terms and conditions for more information.

By attending this experience all manuhiri (visitors/guests) agree to Rangitāiki Tours’ terms and conditions.

021 379 201

info@rangitaikitours.co.nz