Cultural Experiences

Waka Toa Cultural Experiences

22 King Street

GISBORNE

Ph 06 868 5425

Fax 06 867 2324

Mobile 027 431 9249

Website www.wakatoa.com

Email info@wakatoa.co.nz

Waka Toa weaves together the rich performance tradition of the Maori with a unique life giving message in an authentic encounter with Maori culture. Bookings are essential.

Tipuna Tours - Whalerider

Ph 06 862 6118

Mobile 027 240 4493

Email tipunatours@gmail.com

Cost $50.00 per person 

Guided tours of Whangara, the place where the movie was filmed.  Visit the home where much of the filming actually took place and listen to the story that inspired the film. Tours are approximately 2 hours and start at Whangara.  Other cultural tours of the area are also available. Min 4 pax - bookings essential.

Stray Go East - East Cape Tours

Jason Gerrard

Wainui

GISBORNE

Ph 027 535 0011 

Mobile 021 0252 6354

Email jasegtown@gmail.com

Website www.straytravel.com

Travel the East Cape with Stray Go East and explore its untapped journey of discovery.  A "Hop on and off bus service", Stray Go East is a three day tour that will operate continuously over the summer period (november 05 and April 15).  Pickups will begin in Rotorua every Wednesday and Saturday at 8.00am, with pickups in Whakatane, Opotiki and Gisborne.  From Rotorua we head to Gisborne for the night, then onwards along the East Cape's, Pacific Hwy35 to Maraehako Bay.  The following day we then make our way back to Rotorua.  On our journey we will see spectacular scenic views, slow-paced Maori communities, amazing coastlines and absolute beachfront accommodations.  An opportunity to engage in the East Capes unique activities, or delve into Maori culture is also available.  Special conditions will apply to those who purchasse tickets in Whakatane, Opotiki or Gisborne.  For further information please contact the above details.

Cape Runaway Maori Historic Walks

June McDonald

Waihau Bay

RD3

OPOTIKI

Ph 07 325 3697

Mount Hikurangi 

Ngati Porou Tourism

1 Main Street

RUATORIA

Phone  06 864 8660

Email pbrooking@tronp.org.nz

Ngati Porou possesses one of the most significant natural features on earth - Hikurangi Mountain.  It is the first place to see the sun of every new day, because of its special location in relation to the international dateline.  It is 137km from Gisborne City and 205km from Opotiki.  Hikurangi stands at 1754 metres.  The Hikurangi track is located on Pakihiroa Station 3km from the turnoff from SH35 (signposted).  This track runs through private land, and may be closed from time to time.  You should therefore enquire as to the situation regarding access.  Te Runanga O Ngati Porou is the custodian of the hut which is located 10km up the mountain from the bridge and Pakihiroa Station entrance.  4 Wheel Drive Tours are available.  Hut fees $15 per person.

For more details / to make a booking contact the Ngati Porou Information Centre. 

Te Aio O Nukutaimemeha (The Peace Of Nukutaimemeha) - Traditional Waka Taua (War Canoe) 

Kerry Johnston 

Ph 06 867 9960 or 

Mobile 021 676 910

Ngati Porou Tourism

Ruatoria 

Ph 06 864 9004

Te Aio o Nukutaimemeha is a 45 metre long waka which lies at the mouth of the Waiapu River.  It is still considered one of the largest Waka Taua of its kind in the world.  Ten years in the making, this Taonga (treasure) belongs to the descendants of Maui-Tikitiki-a-Taranga.  Te Aio o Nukutaimemeha is situated in Rangitukia on private land, and may be closed from time to time.  You should therefore enquire as to the situation regarding access.  Te Runanga o Ngati Porou are the custodians of the Waka.  Entry fee $5 per person. History tours are available.  Bookings required.

Key Contacts

Te Runanga O Turanganui A Kiwa 

Ron Nepe

PO Box 847

GISBORNE

Ph 06 867 8109

Email ronald.nepe@trotak.iwi.nz

Te Runanga O Ngati Porou

Wainui Rd

GISBORNE

PO Box 394 or 195 

Ph 06 867 9960

Fax 06 867 5335

A/h Ph 021 676 910

Email porou.ariki@xtra.co.nz

Website www.ngatiporou.iwi.nz