Tauranga History and Culture

Travel Ed is a Māori family operator, steeped in the ancestry of the Tauranga tribal area. With education backgrounds, both international and in Aotearoa (NZ), our experiences are based upon real-life experiences, and tailored to value learning outcomes across cultures. Your authentic Māori storyteller guide will take you on a journey of cultural discovery, connecting you with significant sites, stories, and ancient tribal customs. Feel the presence of our ancestors as we take you on a journey dating back to 925AD. This is not just a window to our culture, it's an immersion. Travel Ed is an experience of a life time. In your small intimate group your friendly and knowledgable guide will ensure you are part of the family by journey’s end. Experiencing our Tauranga Māori cultural tour will provide you with a deep understanding and appreciation of our history. It is a wonderful day of conversation, reflection and learning. A minimum of 4 guests is required for this tour to proceed.

Itinerary

1. As we drive by your local tribal guide will tell you ancient stories of our well known ancestral mountain, Mount Maunganui. You will take in the beauty of the beaches as we make our way to Tauranga, a short 30 minute drive.
2. Learn about the arrival of Kupe in 925AD, the first known Polynesian explorer to arrive in Aotearoa (NZ) from our historic homeland of Hawaiiki. You will experience the example of a Polynesian compass (Te Kāpehu) that he used for navigation to these shores. This provided the navigational blueprint for our ancestors arrival in Aotearoa (New Zealand) (25 min)
3. A short 10 minute drive will take you on a journey taking you back to the year 1828. The site of inter-tribal conflict, the arrival of settlers, missionries and the British colonial forces. It is here that you will learn of the local Māori tribes
4. A chance to see the Mission House which has relevance for the conflict that was to follow. Situated there also is the oldest free standing library in New Zealand. We stop momentarily.
5. A chance experience an icon of New Zealand cullinary delights, the humble pie. Patrick's Pies Gold Star Bakery has been a 9 times New Zealand pies supreme award winning bakery. It is a must to try. (30 min)
6. We will walk you through the battle on the site of one of the most significant conflicts between the colonial troops and our local Māori tribes of 1864. Learn about the carvings, the conflict and what it meant to Tauranga and surrounding district. Learn about what came from this conflict that connected with future world conflicts. (45 min)
7. Experience a local traditional marae where you will be immersed in the local traditions, connections and stories. You will leave having a greater understanding of the history of the local Māori culture and sense of community. (40 min)
8. Awesome views of Tauranga Harbour and coastline from the surrounding hills (30 min)

Meeting & end point