Whirinaki Forest Footsteps: Māori Guided Tour, Picnic & Transfer

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Ngôn ngữ có sẵn

Tiếng Anh

7 giờ

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An unforgettable adventure from start to finish! This guided Māori cultural walking tour through a stunning Jurassic podocarp rainforest was truly one-of-a-kind. The journey began with a comfortable and fun bus ride from Rotorua, where we met our friendly Māori guides. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a traditional Mihi Whakatau and Karakia, which set a deeply meaningful tone for the day.

The rainforest itself is breathtaking—towering 1,000-year-old Totara trees, lush native plants, and the chance to spot rare birds in their natural habitat. The guides shared fascinating stories about the forest’s history, Māori traditions, and the medicinal plants known as Rakau Rongoa. We even got to experience 'Forest Bathing,' a peaceful moment of connection with nature, accompanied by beautiful Māori chants and music.

The packed picnic lunch, infused with traditional flavors, was delicious, and hot Kawakawa tea was the perfect ending. A must-do for anyone visiting Rotorua!

Thông tin khác

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Chính sách hủy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Bao gồm

Lunch

Cần Quan Tâm

Embark on a fun and educational cultural journey from Rotorua! Departing from Rotorua iSite at 8:30am, this guided bus tour takes you deep into the heart of a Jurassic podocarp native rainforest. Meet your Māori guides, who will welcome you with a traditional Mihi Whakatau and Karakia to ensure a safe and meaningful journey. Explore pristine native rainforest trails, encounter towering 1,000-year-old Totara trees, and learn about Rakau Rongoa—traditional natural medicine plants. As you walk in the shadows of these ancient giants, discover the rich history and unique wildlife, including the chance to see rare native birds. Experience 'Forest Bathing'—a time to simply connect with nature and enjoy the serenity. Hear traditional Māori chants and wind instruments as you immerse yourself in the world of Te Ao Māori. Enjoy a delicious forest-to-fork picnic lunch and wrap up your adventure with hot Kawakawa tea before returning to Rotorua by 3:30pm. Suitable for all fitness levels!

4 hours • Bao Gồm Vé

Tùy chọn

Whirinaki Forest Footsteps: Māori Guided Tour, Picnic & Transfer

Pickup included

Đánh giá

5.00

5 đánh giá

Tổng số đánh giá và xếp hạng từ Viator & TripAdvisor

Interesting walk through the primeval forest with a Maori guide
837marjaj,
25 thg 10, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00
Together with my husband we did the walk through the Wharinaki primeval forest today. After the welcoming ceremony we started the walk. Our guide Destiny had a lot of knowledge about the special trees and plants. During the walk she also told Maori stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. We ended it with lunch and traditional kawakawa tea. As icing on the cake, we stopped at an ancient rock painting on the way. We thought it was a very nice day. Definitely recommended!!
An unforgettable, fully catered Maori forest experience.
905everta,
16 thg 10, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00
Through our tour operator, we participated in the Whirinaki Forest Footsteps, a cultural Maori walk through part of the rainforest, followed by a picnic, a visit to ancient cave engravings, and a transfer from Rotorua. It was a wonderful experience, especially thanks to Destiny, the young Maori guide, who told us so much about the trees, plants, and animals that live there. Of course, "Harry," the bus driver, is also a wonderful person with an inimitable name. After a long bus ride, including a bathroom break, we arrived at the forest and first underwent a traditional Mihi Whakatau and Karakia before entering the forest. A process that made us feel like family and one with the forest. Halfway through the walk, we took a moment for reflection with a so-called "Forest Bathing," a moment of peace, listening to the forest, its sounds, and the birds. Following the forest walk, we enjoyed a delicious picnic with a refreshing Kawakawa tea. On the way back, we stopped at the Kaingaroa Rock Carvings and heard more Maori stories from Destiny. It was wonderful how she managed to connect the past and present. It was a truly heartwarming experience that left a lasting memory for us. If you're drawn to Maori culture and nature, this is a wonderful experience not to be missed!
Best tour of our trip to New Zealand
Debra J,
29 thg 4, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00
If I could give it a higher score I would. Our guide (Harry) was amazing and helped us understand so much about the Māori culture. The rainforest walk was beautiful and so peaceful and informative.
A lovely experience of Māori culture.
Richard F,
5 thg 3, 2025
- Đánh giá từ Viator
5.00
Kiitti and Harry were fabulous. Very thoughtful and informative. Nice pace. A memorable time together in the forest.
Heartwarming tour by family. You realize what's important again.
Tommyy2000,
20 thg 12, 2024
- Đánh giá từ Tripadvisor
5.00
Together with my partner we participated in the private walk + picnic through our tour operator. It was fantastic! The bus driver and uncle of the guide had a lot of humor. And no we still can't pronounce his name haha. He has also shared with us an enormous amount of knowledge that has been passed on from generation to generation by the Maori. Arriving at the forest, the guide gave us an introduction ritual to the forest. Then the beautiful walk started and the guide really taught us a lot about the plants, animals and Maori culture. It was great! We ended with a delicious picnic and we got kawakawa tea (hot and cold). A special drink from their culture. There was guitar playing and singing. And yes, we had to sing along too haha. It was a hugely heartwarming experience and very special. It feels good to get so close to nature. And uncle and cousin make a fantastic team together! Definitely do this tour!