Maori Guided Walk of Auckland

For years, Maori from local Ngati Whatua tribe have passed down, from generation to generation, sacred tribal history, traditions and ancient stories.

Take this opportunity to become part of this tribe for the day and learn how Ngati Whatua discovered Tamaki (Auckland), why it was so fiercely fought over, how the people co-existed with the land and the arrival of foreign vessels to Tamaki shores.

Highlights Include:

• Maungawhau (Mt Eden) Dormant Volcano, site of ancient Maori village
• Auckland domain, bush walk and heritage sites, visit a Marae (Maori carved house)
• Interaction with Maori guide, hear ancient stories, listen to Maori songs and music

There are two tours to choose from and each is unique! Both tours are conducted by local Maori guides. Please refer to Itinerary (below) for full tour descriptions.

Schedule Details Departs: Daily

Unavailable Dates:

• January 01 (New Years Day)
• December 25 (Christmas Day)

Departure Point:

• Hikoi Rua: Meet at the Summit of Mt Eden, Auckland City.
• Hikoi Tahi: Meet at the Tourism Auckland Visitor Centre, Quay St, Auckland City.

Departure Time:

• 9:00am
• 1:30pm

Return details: Tour concludes at original point of departure. Itinerary: Hikoi Rua - Maori Guided Walk of Auckland (1 hour)
This guided walk showcases one of Auckland's most famous iconic landmarks, Maungawhau (Mt Eden). A dormant volcano, Maungawhau was once a fortified village for the Ngati Whatua tribe, the custodians of this sacred site. Expert guides from Ngati Whatua give historical interpretation of the mountain through the many archeological features that manifest Auckland's unique culture and heritage.
Transfers: Not included meet at Mt Eden Summit OR book a ticket on the Auckland Explorer simply enter 3237EXBUS into the search box

Hikoi Tahi - Maori Guided Walk of Auckland (3 hours)
Meet your guide at Princes Wharf where your guide will give a brief about the tour. You are then transported to the Summit of Mt Eden where the Hikoi begins. Visitors make their way down the mountain through Kyber Pass, past Mt Eden Prison and on to the Auckland Domain near the museum where the guide brings Auckland's unique landscape alive through music, song, story telling and customs. After a short refreshment break (morning or afternoon tea - depends on departure selected), you are taken along a bush walk where the guide highlights New Zealand native trees and plants and explains how the Maori lived off the land for food and medicine.

Continuing on, the Hikoi emerges on Stanley Street past the tennis courts where you'll visit the University of Auckland Marae before carrying on past old Government House and down into the downtown area. The Hikoi follows the old Queen St shoreline before finishing on the Auckland waterfront at 12 noon. You are then free to continue on in town for lunch or make your own way back to your accommodation.

Transfers:Roundtrip transfers to Mount Eden from Auckland Visitor Centre on Quay Street.

Additional Information