Highlights of Tauranga & Maori Culture

Discover the historic sites of scenic Tauranga during this half-day orientation tour of the city.

Travel through the lovely cities of Tauranga and Bethlehem on your way to visit a local Ngati Ranginui Maori Marae. Arriving at this intimate Maori village, you'll be greeted by a local Maori guide and taken on a cultural journey into the heritage of the Maoris and early New Zealand settlers. Well known for their hospitality, the tangata whenua, local people, will make you feel at home as they graciously show you around and give you a wealth of information about traditional and contemporary Maori life.

During the course of your visit, you'll have an opportunity to view craft-making and cooking and to experience the Maori's oral tradition of storytelling. Before leaving the village, your hosts will treat you to a refreshing tea.

Continuing on, your tour makes its way to the Minden Lookout. From this excellent vantage point, you'll have stunning views over the eastern Bay of Plenty. During favorable conditions, you can even see the plumes of wispy smoke and steam arising from volcanic White Island to the east.