Sacred Sites Tour with Paora

An Authentic Māori Cultural Experience on Waiheke Island

$385 per person – Including lunch, wine tastings, and island transport

Journey into Living History

Step into the rich tapestry of Māori culture on Waiheke Island with our distinguished Māori Cultural Ambassador, Paora. This intimate cultural journey goes beyond traditional tourism to offer an authentic connection with the island’s indigenous heritage, woven together with exceptional local wine and cuisine.

Your Cultural Guide

Your host, Paora, brings 34 years of deep connection to Waiheke Island and a lifetime of cultural wisdom to this unique experience. From his early years supporting Kato Kauwhata at Piritahi Marae to learning ancient wisdom from his Uncle and Tohunga, Paora’s understanding of Māori traditions runs deep. As a filmmaker and storyteller, he brings a special perspective to sharing the island’s magic with visitors.

A Day of Cultural Discovery

Morning Welcome (9:40 AM)
Begin your journey with a traditional karakia (blessing) at Matiatia Bay, where Paora will welcome you to Waiheke’s sacred shores.

Sacred Sites Tour (10:15 AM)
Embark on an enriching journey across the island, where each stop reveals layers of Māori history. Discover:

Ancient pō (carved posts) that tell stories of the past
Traditional medicinal plants and their uses
Sacred sites that have shaped the island’s history
The living connection between land, sea, and Māori culture

Wine Tasting at Batch Winery (11:00 AM)
Experience premium wines at Waiheke’s highest point, where panoramic views stretch across to Auckland City, Whangapaora, and The Coromandel. Here, tradition meets contemporary wine-making excellence.

Lunch Experience (12:00 PM)
Savor a memorable meal at the award-winning Three Seven Two restaurant, overlooking magnificent Onetangi Beach. As you dine, Paora will share stories of the area’s significance, including tales of the magnificent marine life that frequently visits these waters – from whales and orcas to dolphins and stingrays.

What’s Included

Guided cultural tour with expert Māori Cultural Ambassador
Wine tasting at Batch Winery
Gourmet lunch at Three Seven Two
Island transport
Traditional welcome blessing
Stories of whakapapa (ancestry)
Insights into both historical and contemporary Māori life

Getting Here

Catch either the 9:15 AM Island Direct Ferry or the 9:00 AM Fullers Ferry from Auckland.

Tour Conclusion

Your journey concludes with a final blessing, after which you can either return to Auckland or explore the charming Oneroa village at your leisure.

Experience the spirit of Waiheke through the lens of its indigenous culture. Book this unique journey into Māori heritage, where every step reveals another layer of this island’s rich cultural tapestry.

To reserve your place on this extraordinary cultural journey, contact us today.