Personalized Maori Heritage Tour at Te Papa Museum
Explore the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa that overlooks the Wellington waterfront. Through this delightful experience, get an in-depth understanding of New Zealand, its history of human settlements, stunning geographical features, and fascinating native lifestyles. Begin with the interactive backlit floor map of New Zealand, where you can step on to view regional highlights of Māori landscape and see exhibits of the island’s extinct species. Learn about Māori culture from an indigenous perspective and their influence in modern society. Browse through Māori arts, crafts, ships, dresses, and treasures, while listening to traditional tribe stories and legends. Marvel at the intricate carvings on an old wharenui, of a Māori meeting hall called the marae, and admire a large pounamu greenstone immersed in a pond. End with a hongi greeting, before dispersing. (Duration 1 hr; Time: Daily on demand; Private Activity; Fitness level: Easy)
Group Tour of Kapiti Island
Explore Kapiti Island, a birding enthusiasts’ paradise, located about three miles off the western coast of North Island, New Zealand. This predator-free sanctuary and nature reserve lies across the Rauoterangi channel and Kapiti Marine Reserve. Starting from the Kapiti Boating Club on Paraparaumu Beach, hop onto the ferry to reach Kapiti Island. After a 30-min introductory talk, follow your Maori guides for a bushwalk to spot exotic and endangered native birds such as weka, kokako and hihi among others. Little-spotted kiwis are only found on this island, thanks to extensive conservation efforts. Keep an eye out for tracks of little blue penguins on the beaches, and nests of black-backed gulls on rocks, as well as Maori artifacts scattered here. Kapiti Island has a complex history involving Te Rauparaha’s NZ Empire, European explorers, traders and commercial whalers. After lunch at Kapiti Island Nature Lodge, summit the peak of Rangatira Point or hike the loop trails, before returning. (Duration: Full day; Time: 0715 – 1630/1700 hrs; Shared activity & transfers; Pick-up drop-off from Wellington accommodations; Meals and refreshments included; Island landing permit fees included; Fitness level: easy-moderate; Available all year round; Please note that ferry departure times are 0900 hrs and 1500 hrs from Paraparaumu Beach and Kapiti Island respectively; Tours are subject to weather conditions and daily visitors’ limit)
