Our special tour for our Cruise Ship visitors. You will be met at the port of Napier by your Maori guides who will entertain you with stories about the area and legends of how their ancestors came to this land as you travel to the 15th century fortress site of Hakikino.
Upon disembarking the coach you will be asked to choose the champion for your group. He will meet the warriors challenge and you will hear the welcome call echo across the hills and valleys. You'll be greeted into the outdoor arena of the ‘Arch of the Ancestors’ and participate in the moving and powerful customs of the greeting ceremony.
After the traditional welcome, you will spend time with the ‘home people’ in small groups as you are shown different crafts and customs by which their people survived. You will see demonstrations of some of the various traditional activities all of which are still practiced today:
- Witness the fighting drills
- Discover the art and skill of flax weaving
- Learn about the history of wood carving and the importance of stones
- Hear ancient musical instruments
- See the native eel in the natural wetland habitat
An intimate, personal and spiritual way to discover the ways of Maori people. We'll spend time together and you'll experience a connection with us and gain insights and knowledge. Our award winning tour on the Hakikino Conservation Reserve will touch your heart and open your mind.