Waiheke Māori Culture & Wine: Sacred Sites, Art & Vineyard Lunch

An Authentic Māori Cultural Experience on Waiheke Island

$790 per person – Including lunch, wine tastings, and island transport

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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:

• Travel with a local Māori ambassador, Paora, who shares his whakapapa, stories and deep connection to Waiheke
• Visit culturally significant sites and a local village while hearing powerful tales of land wars, resilience and modern Māori life
• Step inside a contemporary art studio and see how local artists respond to the land, history and culture through their work
• Enjoy boutique Waiheke wine tastings and sample local produce that reflects the island’s character
• Relax over a vineyard lunch with beautiful island and ocean views in a small, welcoming group setting
• Ask questions, share kōrero (conversation) and experience Māori culture in a respectful, relaxed and genuinely personal way

Lunch Experience (12:00 PM)
Savor a memorable meal at the award-winning Three Seven Two restaurant or KiMaha, 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 or KiMaha (bread and dips, main course, beverage)
• Island transport
• Traditional welcome blessing
• Stories of whakapapa (ancestry)
• Insights into both historical and contemporary Māori life
• Ferry Tickets

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.

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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.