Cultural Journey with Totally Tarawera in Rotorua
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels with moderate walking on well-maintained paths.
Overview
Step into the rich heritage of the Tuhourangi Māori with Totally Tarawera’s Ancestral Footprints Cultural Tour. Experience authentic customs, geothermal landscapes, and stories of survival beneath Mount Tarawera’s shadow.
Ancestral Footprints Cultural Tour
Starting at $650 | 6 Hours | Personal Maori guide & a cultural performance
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating journey with a Tuhourangi descendant, exploring the rich Māori culture and history in a living village surrounded by geothermal wonders. Experience traditional Māori kai, cultural performances, and breathtaking views of Mount Tarawera, all while retracing the path of resilience after the volcanic eruption.
Duration
9:30am-3:30pm
About
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
The Tuhourangi people have lived in the shadow of Mount Tarawera for many generations.
There was a time in the mid-1800’s when a steady stream of visitors from overseas came to visit the magnificent and spectacular Pink and White Terraces, sited on the geothermal wonder, Lake Rotomahana. The guides of Tuhourangi became well known as the hosts of the terraces that quickly became known as the 8th Wonder of the Natural World.
However all this changed as on the 10th June 1886 when Mount Tarawera erupted, taking with it lives, entire villages and the Pink and White Terraces. The Tuhourangi people were devastated by the loss of their many family members, the land and waters that had provided them with their food and their income. Some of the Tuhourangi settled at Whakarewarewa, thanks to the generosity of the Ngati Wahiao tribe who were willing to share their home. Here, Tuhourangi were able to rebuild their lives and continue welcoming and guiding visitors to experience Whakarewarewa’s natural wonders.
Join a descendant of the Tuhourangi people as she takes you on a journey to experience their unique lifestyle and history. Learn about aspects of the Māori culture first hand, experience Māori kai (food), see how our family lives amongst the bubbling hot pools, then experience seeing our sleeping giant, Mount Tarawera and enjoy bathing in the geothermal waters. This day’s experience will leave you enthralled and inspired while you walk in the footsteps of the Tuhourangi people.
Your journey will take you to a living Maori village set in the midst of geothermal pools and geysers. You will then retrace the tribal pathway created as a result of the destruction of their homelands and the eighth wonder of the world during a volcanic eruption. Your full day experience will include a personal Maori guide, a visit to an ancestral house, traditional foods, cultural performance, road and boat transport, a forest walk and the unique opportunity to learn and be part of that journey.
What to Bring
- Good walking shoes (Tramping boots not required)
- Drinking water
- Camera
- Sunscreen
Travel is in our all-weather boat . Refreshments available
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy walking shoes
Paths can be uneven around geothermal areas; comfortable shoes ensure safe, confident steps.
Bring sun protection
Rotorua’s exposure calls for sunscreen and hats to stay protected during outdoor segments.
Carry a refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated is key during the six-hour immersive tour, especially in warm seasons.
Prepare for variable weather
The geothermal zone can change quickly; pack a light rain jacket or windbreaker.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Fantail birds flitting among trees
- New Zealand long-tailed bats occasionally spotted at dusk
History
The 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera reshaped this land, destroying the Pink and White Terraces, once hailed as the eighth wonder of the natural world.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes respect for Māori custodianship and sustainability by encouraging low-impact visitation to geothermal areas and cultural sites.
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Adventure Hotspots in Rotorua
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides stability and comfort over natural and sometimes uneven geothermal terrain.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protects skin from strong New Zealand sun during outdoor segments.
summer specific
Light rain jacket
Keeps you dry during sudden showers or wind around geothermal areas.
spring|fall|winter specific
Refillable water bottle
Ensures hydration throughout the day of walking and cultural experiences.