Walking Tours Mount Maunganui

The Walk and Workshop of Mount Maunganui is perfect for those who want to connect with local māori and explore the coastal/communal landscapes our area has to offer. We share lots of kōrero about our cultural history and the environmental significance of Mauao, Mount Maunganui. 
As we explore the surrounding areas, we stop and sight a giant pōhutukawa tree, then move to visit the local community gardens before veering off to the coastline to visit a smaller mountain (Hopukiore, Mount Drury) and an island just off the mount main beach (Moturiki, Leisure Island).

Shortly after, we make our way to our final destination where we have light refreshments for guests to enjoy! After shared food, we commence our workshop and learn more about native plants and how we harvest (following tikanga māori). Participants can have a go at creating their own art piece!

• Start your watches and follow the coastal and communal pathways
• Sight a GIANT pōhutukawa tree that's over 500 years old.
• Visit the local community gardens tucked away, a hidden gem!
• Discover the hidden caves of Hopukiore
• Learn more about the local and native plants nearby!
• Veer off the concrete pathways and explore an island connected to the main beach!

Raranga

• Discover the harakeke (flax plant) and its significance to our environment and culture.
• Learn the correct procedures of harvesting a harakeke leaf.
• Weave your harvested leaf into something beautiful.

Rongoā

• Meet the native plants of Mauao 
  
• Learn how our ancestors used these plants for health and well-being 
• Make your own rongoā concoction

Includes:

• Fully guided walk through the coastal and communal pathways of Mount Maunganui (60 minutes).
• Choice of weaving or plant medicine workshop (60 minutes).
• Snacks and beverages.

You can choose to be collected from the gates of the Port of Tauranga, or meet us onsite.

Important Information Before Booking

• A moderate level of fitness is required to participate. The walk itself is 60 minutes on concrete pathways, and at the end we cross over on sand to an island with undulating tracks. Appropriate footwear is required.
• All other information will be provided after confirmation including how to prepare, weather considerations, etc.

Immerse yourself in true Tauranga culture from the Mountain to the Sea, escorted by our local guides on waka ama (outrigger) canoes, walking our ancestral mountain, Mauao. 
By Mountain 

• Enjoy a guided walk with stories shared by local Māori


• Hear the tale of how our mountain, Mauao, got his name 


• See where the first canoes of our local Māori came in from the Pacific 


• Hear how our ancestors lived and see what evidence they left behind 

By Sea

• A unique experience of paddling to Mauao by Waka Ama! 


• Accompanied by experienced Waka Ama steerers who take care of all your needs


• Includes a lesson, waka ama experience, and all equipment needed


• Sit on the shores of Mauao while enjoying a snack and swimming the clear waters of Te Awanui.

You can choose to be collected from the gates of the Port of Tauranga, or meet us onsite.

Important Information Before Booking

• A moderate level of fitness is required to participate.  You will be paddling a waka ama canoe with others and walking the undulating gravel tracks of the mountain, spending approximately 1 hour on each activity.


• You will be taking footwear off and getting feet and ankles wet.


• All other information will be provided including how to prepare, weather considerations, dietary requirements, etc.