New Zealand | Culturally Rich
When N from Maui, Hawaii, and her friends L and M, embarked on their journey to Aotearoa New Zealand, they were seeking more than just sightseeing—they wanted a meaningful connection to the whenua (land), its people, and its culture. With Tāpoi’s Māori values, expert planning and seamless flexibility, their journey was elevated from a long-anticipated tour to a deeply personal and transformative experience. From reconnecting with whānau (family) to forging new bonds, their adventure was a celebration of connection, heritage, and discovery.
N's North Island Highlights
N’s North Island adventure was filled with authentic experiences, each building upon the last. The serene Ngawha Springs was a favourite, and a welcome alternative to commercial geothermal spas. Soaking in the naturally hot pools she "loved that we had it all to ourselves. I actually enjoyed it more than Wai Ariki in Rotorua - more natural (and the pools were much hotter)”.
One of the most enriching aspects for N was the opportunity to connect with the whenua (land) through shared adventures. She found connection with the land at Footprints Waipoua, where L & M responded to their guide’s karakia (blessing or prayer) to Te Matua Ngahere -the Father of the Forest - with a Hawaiian chant. N treasures the spiritual resonance of this moment in the quiet of the forest.
Another unforgettable experience was witnessing luminous glowworm caves, guided by the Kawiti whānau. “I've never seen anything like the glowworms - and we had a private tour, exiting out the back of the cave and through the native forest, which they said they don't usually.”
Exiting the forest they found themselves welcomed into a large whānau celebration, adding to their growing New Zealand connections. "The Kawiti whānau were more people that we didn't want to leave," N recalls, touched by their dedication to community projects.
She also experienced Māori culture through waiata (song) and kanikani (dance) at Te Ahurea Village, mediums that resonate with her Hawaiian heritage. These moments forged genuine kinship between cultures and people.
Genuine People, Genuine Connections
At Tāpoi, we pay special attention to the matching of travellers with hosts, understanding that to truly know a place, you must know its people. During their journey N, L & M connected deeply with Māori hosts who shared stories of resilience and cultural pride.
At Riverhead Villa, they spent an entire day “talking story” with Tammie and Bernadette from the tribal foundation that owns the property—connections that have continued beyond since returning home. Tipu—a guide “who instantly became whānau for the rest of the trip” —shared meals and adventures with them, creating a bond that culminated in tearful farewells at the airport. They’ve stayed in touch ever since.
It touched our hearts to hear from N that almost every host and guide became a friend, with every interaction adding depth to their journey.
The Freedom to be Spontaneous
Our traveller's needs are paramount, and we balance activity with relaxation for every individual. We’re happy to accommodate adjustments during a journey as guests discover new inspiration, change their minds, or simply want an extra day to soak up a favourite spot.
We had an opportunity to prove this when the accommodation that was specially requested from N quickly turned into a humorous anecdote, with her companions dubbing it “the Haunted House.” We swiftly arranged for a move to one of our recommended luxury hotels, which, as N described, "felt like home." A potential crisis averted!
The freedom to adjust plans was a defining element of this journey. The group opted to swap sunrise excursions at Tatapouri Bay for a leisurely morning watching the sunrise from their beds, and spontaneously changed experiences and dining choices on the go, always supported by their guide. This adaptability ensured that every moment felt tailored to their preferences and energy levels, making them feel truly cared for.
Embracing Local Flavours
Rather than enjoying only fine dining options, N and her friends often sought out casual local eateries that offered authentic flavors and cultural immersion.
From sampling Japanese cuisine in Rotorua to enjoying homemade meals shared with whānau in Te Teko, Tāpoi Travel embraced their desire for culinary exploration beyond luxury cuisine.
N laughingly shared the story of arriving for evening canapés at one exclusive lodge “with our...satchels of home-cooked food from L's whānau in Te Teko, where we had stopped the day before to visit with her 94-year-old hānai mom. Tipu (our guide) discovered that she had been good friends with his mother!” The flexibility of personal guided travel allowed them to connect with family, locals and savor the true taste of Aotearoa. N remembered "We were missing our 'local' food a little by then" highlighting the importance of finding those familiar flavors even in a new country.
Cultural Connections
The journey’s true magic lay in its cultural depth and the profound connections forged along the way. N’s lifelong interest in Polynesian anthropology found new meaning as she immersed herself in Māori traditions. "We soon started sharing Maori and Hawaiian versions of a song about Maui... and I taught them some Hawaiian hula," she recalled from a memorable visit to Te Ahurea Village, emphasizing the reciprocal exchange of cultures.
During a guided exploration of Whirinaki Forest, rare native parrots followed their group while L & M “chanted an oli to the trees and it was quite the spiritual experience for everyone". These opportunities to share their Hawaiian culture with their guides, and to connect to Aotearoa’s precious spaces in a personal way, were meaningful for everyone.
With ‘culturally rich’ being the inspiration for N’s itinerary, we offered multiple avenues for understanding Aotearoa’s past and present. Balancing guided experiences with museums offered N time for reflection and exploration at her own pace, and she spent a “very happy almost 8 hours at Te Papa by myself, (the most incredible museum I have ever experienced, anywhere in the world)”, while her companions wandered the avenues and eateries of Wellington.
And as N enthused, everyone they connected with had ancestral ties with one another, adding a beautiful sense of belonging to their trip. From sharing meals to engaging in cultural practices, N, L, and M were welcomed as whānau, enriching their experience far beyond the typical tourist encounter.
N's journey was more than an itinerary – it was a celebration of shared humanity across oceans, a gateway to experiencing New Zealand in a way that honoured their passion for culture, history, and connection.
Thoughtful planning and adaptability allowed them to explore New Zealand on their own terms, weaving the heritage and values of this place with their own. Their experience is a testament to how personalized travel can create not just memories but meaningful relationships that last long after the journey ends.
Summing up their experience, N shared that traveling with us provided "the framework for an unforgettable 'Experience Of A Lifetime!'", adding “A hui hou/until we meet again - (until the South Island)!”
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