CRUISE SHIP history and culture Tour of tAURANGA

Join us to follow the pathways our our ancestors. Follow the pathways that our pre-european māori and the settlers took when establishing in tauranga moana

Join your tangata whenua kaiarahi (local Māori guide) to hear the stories of the pre-European and conflicts, heroics and acts of chivalry of the ancestors who built this region of important settlement. The Bay of Plenty was called that for good reason as you will discover.

Your 5.5 hour tour will take you

• from your ship in a luxurious and spacious vehicle across the harbour to the site of the early pā sites of Otamataha and Taumatakahawai. These pā existed before the arrival of European militia and settlers

• by The Elms, the earliest mission station established in Tauranga by the Church Mission Society

• through the locations where gardens were in abundance to provide food sources for the local tribes as we travel along the road built by the militia to move their soldiers and equipment quickly along the peninsular

• to where you can explore the replica of early European settlement. If you are feeling bit hungry there is also a fantastic bakery where you can take time out to sample their fine examples of contemporary New Zealand delights, or just to have a cup of tea or coffee

• to the site of one of Aotearoa’s (New Zealand) most historic battles between the tangata whenua (local Māori tribes) and the British forces. The outcome of which was totally unpredictable

• around the harbour to the surrounding hills where you will experience the panoramic view of the Tauranga harbour and surrounds. Hear the stories from this amazing vantage point of the arrival in the harbour of the Māori waka (canoes) from the ancient Homeland of Hawaiki and the establishment of the iwi (tribes) both in the Bay of Plenty and other locations in Aotearoa. From here you will see your ship berthed in the Port of Tauranga

• the lowlands again as we make our way back to Mount Maunganui. You will have the option of a drop-off and pick-up at a dining precinct where you can select from a number of eateries including Izakai who offer a Māori/Japanese fusion menu. For those who may want to go straight back to the ship we will take you before returning to pick up the ‘diners’

What do you need:

• a great sense of humour

• sun block and sun hat

• a light long sleeved shirt or jacket

• a drinking water bottle

• Camera to record your amazing experience to share with the whānau (family) and ōu hoa (your friends)

What’s included:

• transport in a spacious luxury vehicle

• a maximum of 11 passengers to keep the group small and the experience personal

• Still water (as we are committed to manaaki taiao (caring for the environment) we will fill and refill your water bottles