Cultural & Heritage Tour at Te Wharewaka o Poneke in Wellington
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no special physical condition required
Overview
Discover Māori stories and traditions in a captivating 2-hour tour at Wellington's Te Raukura-Te Wharewaka o Pōneke. A perfect cultural adventure for travelers seeking authentic Māori experiences.
Hidden Māori Treasures Tour
Discover Wellington’s hidden Māori treasures • Minimum of 2 participants • 2 Hours 15 mins
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 2-hour journey through Wellington's rich Māori heritage at Te Raukura-Te Wharewaka o Pōneke. Discover the stories of Te Aro Pā, explore an exclusive excavation site, and learn about the legendary explorer Kupe. Experience a traditional welcome and uncover hidden treasures of Māori culture.
Discover intriguing secrets about the city we love and explore the exclusive sites of our history.
Duration
2 hours 15 mins
About
The area where Te Raukura-Te Wharewaka o Pōneke is located was harbour frontage to Te Aro Pā, an old traditional Māori village. Learn about the people of this place, the various elements and design of Te Raukura building and its connection to the Polynesian explorer Kupe. Hear stories about the two taniwha (mythological beings) in the harbour retold, find out about environmental impacts for Māori in today’s urban landscape and learn other fascinating facts about Māori culture in Wellington.
View the archaeological remains of a whareponga (house) at the Pā site, hear the story of the people who lived at the Pā and their journey to Wellington, gain exclusive access to a non-public excavation site. Discover Wellington’s hidden Māori treasures.
Additional offering
Book this tour and include a meal from our award-winning Karaka Café.
What to expect
Mihi whakatau | Whakawhānaunga | Introduction speech about Te Āti Awa people | Traditional Waka knowledge | Exclusive access to an excavation site displaying history of historical content | Graphical images shared | Explanation of Te Raukura | The forming of the harbour | Views from the City to Sea bridge | Connections to Kupe | Poroaki
Experience a traditional Māori welcome at the start of the tour and be introduced to our custom practices woven throughout the tour.
What to wear
Comfortable footwear and clothing are recommended, and layers are great in Wellington weather.
Adventure Tips
Respect cultural protocols
Follow all guide instructions and show respect during cultural ceremonies and storytelling.
Wear comfortable shoes
Good walking shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the tour’s historical sites.
Bring a notebook
Jot down stories and cultural insights for a more enriching experience.
Arrive early
To ensure a prompt start and to absorb the cultural context fully.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pīwakawaka (fantails)
- Kōtare (kingfishers)
History
This site was a strategic pā location and played a significant role during early Māori settlement in Wellington.
Conservation
The tour promotes awareness of Māori cultural heritage and encourages respect for local sites, supporting ongoing preservation efforts.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Wellington
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for walking through historical sites and cultural centers comfortably.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the guided walk.
Notebook and pen
Capture insights and stories during the tour.
Sun protection
Optional in summer for sun protection during outdoor segments.
summer specific