Maori Tours Kaikoura
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Maori Tours Kaikoura
Engaging tours for private parties, schools and groups especially designed to give you real insight into Maori people and way of life.
OPENING HOURS: Daily Tour times - 9am & 1.30pm
COST: Private single party bookings for up to 10 guests: November to March – $1300.00 | April to October – $1100.00
Maori Tours Kaikoura is the first Maori cultural experience to be offered in Kaikoura. The business was set up by Maurice and Heather Manawatu and has been operating since January 2002.
Maurice is from the hapu (sub-tribe) Ngati Kuri, and the iwi (main tribe) is Ngai Tahu. Heather is of mainly Scots and Irish descent. Many of their whanau (extended family) are involved in the business and have been from the beginning.
Our family have worked in tourism for a long time, the combined experience of Heather and Maurice alone spans more than 50 years.
They say ""Hosting visitors, making them feel welcome and creating new friendships comes naturally - we can't imagine doing anything else.
Details
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Organisation |
Maori Tours KaikouraCommercial organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura |
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Business Times |
Daily Tour times - 9am & 1.30pm |
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Coordinates |
Cultural Experiences
Reviews
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5.0/5
This was a really great tour and histor lesson of Kaikoura and a must do.
I travelled with my tourism class which has a number of international students, so was very eye opening for them but our whole class learning some of the maori traditions, for some it was there first powhiri and hongi. They really did value this tour highly above many of the other activities kaikoura has to offer. Thank you.
Kia ora Anthony, thank you so much for posting this review. The feedback is awesome and I'll be sure to pass on to Parata and Lorraine as well. We thoroughly enjoyed sharing part of the day with you and it was a real challenge for us to get you to the kayaking as we're a little bit famous for running overtime. All the best to everyone for your continued studies and we hope to meet some of you again as you enter the wonderful tourism industry.
maoritours
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5.0/5
Maurice, Heather and the team have provided Maori cultural experiences for my high school Tourism class for the past three years running.
Their product has been consistently professional, relevant and engaging for my students. I thoroughly recommend their tours to anyone keen to learn about Kaikoura from a Maori perspective
Dave, thanks for posting this. We always enjoy your tourism students; they are well behaved and a credit to the school. Hope to see you again next year. Thanks again - Heather
maoritours
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5.0/5
There were 9 of us traveling together, ages 13 - 80 and on our second day in New Zealand we had a private tour with Rebecca and her brother in law.
We each loved the tour! They made it personal and genuine. We really felt like we were getting a view into the world of the Maori, their culture and their ways. Cannot say enough good things about it, and would do it again!
Kia ora Ilene, thank you very much for posting this review about your families time with us. We enjoyed meeting you all when you stopped by for afternoon tea. I'll be sure to give Rebecca and Parata the feedback as well. Thanks again - Heather.
maoritours
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5.0/5
Maori Tours, this was fun because we got to see some very old trees and drink pepper leaf tea.
Some totara were tiny after 1 year of living through to hundreds of thousands of years old. We found out some names of trees, we got to visualise how life was like for maori during the Pa wars and Te Rauparaha invasion.
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5.0/5
For a great half day sign up for Maori Tours Kaikoura!
Maurice was an excellent teacher and guide. We got an insight into history and traditions we could not have gotten from books. The tour was personalized by being encouraged to ask questions to get more details in topics we became curious about. The hands on learning was enjoyable--learning how to sustainably cut flax leaves to make flowers, visiting an old growth forest and learning to identify native plants as food or medicine, learning how to introduce yourself in the Maori tradition, the song...
The half day went too quickly.
Lorraine it was our pleasure meeting you both and it's nice to get your feedback. Hope everything goes well for you with your bid for residency and who knows; maybe our paths will cross again sometime soon. Take care - Maurice and Heather
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5.0/5
Pascal's review on 3.4.11 missed the point - this tour gave us an insight into the lives of Maoris today as well as in 1840.
The tour and the visit to his home were highlights of our 2 month trip.Things that Maurice told us about the ancient forest were reiterated later by Ulva on her guided walk of Ulva Island.
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5.0/5
I'm a 20 year old college student from the states.
I studied abroad this summer in New Zealand and Australia for 3 weeks. This tour was one of the highlights of my entire trip. I didn't feel like I was on a tour the whole day, I felt like I was making friends. The Maori were so welcoming, and hospitable. If you do go to Kaikoura, I would highly recommend signing up for the tour. It's a great way to learn about New Zealand culture and history!
Thanks Melanie - we really appreciate you taking the time to review your time with us. Over the years we've hosted many students studying in NZ and some of them have returned later to spend more time in our great country. If you follow this trend don't forget to drop us a line so we can catch up if you come to Kaikoura.
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5.0/5
A GENUINE NEW ZEALAND EXPERIENCE.
Our tour with Maori Tours Kaikoura was one of the most amazing journeys we have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. From the moment we were met, we were made to feel like we were genuinely welcome by Maurice and his family. It was a privilege to be informed about the history, culture and people of this most beautiful country. A truly wonderful experience that we will keep with us forever. A perfect balance of everything anyone could ask of in a tour. Fantastic and memorable.
We love sharing the culture Vanessa and never tire if meeting new people. Thanks for sharing your experience with others and all the best to you and Mathew.
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5.0/5
A great morning, fun for our six year old daughter and enjoyed by us all, especially enjoyed the singing and the forest walk.
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5.0/5
This was a really great tour and histor lesson of Kaikoura and a must do.
I travelled with my tourism class which has a number of international students, so was very eye opening for them but our whole class learning some of the maori traditions, for some it was there first powhiri and hongi. They really did value this tour highly above many of the other activities kaikoura has to offer. Thank you.
Kia ora Anthony, thank you so much for posting this review. The feedback is awesome and I'll be sure to pass on to Parata and Lorraine as well. We thoroughly enjoyed sharing part of the day with you and it was a real challenge for us to get you to the kayaking as we're a little bit famous for running overtime. All the best to everyone for your continued studies and we hope to meet some of you again as you enter the wonderful tourism industry.
maoritours
-
5.0/5
Maurice, Heather and the team have provided Maori cultural experiences for my high school Tourism class for the past three years running.
Their product has been consistently professional, relevant and engaging for my students. I thoroughly recommend their tours to anyone keen to learn about Kaikoura from a Maori perspective
Dave, thanks for posting this. We always enjoy your tourism students; they are well behaved and a credit to the school. Hope to see you again next year. Thanks again - Heather
maoritours
-
5.0/5
There were 9 of us traveling together, ages 13 - 80 and on our second day in New Zealand we had a private tour with Rebecca and her brother in law.
We each loved the tour! They made it personal and genuine. We really felt like we were getting a view into the world of the Maori, their culture and their ways. Cannot say enough good things about it, and would do it again!
Kia ora Ilene, thank you very much for posting this review about your families time with us. We enjoyed meeting you all when you stopped by for afternoon tea. I'll be sure to give Rebecca and Parata the feedback as well. Thanks again - Heather.
maoritours
-
5.0/5
Maori Tours, this was fun because we got to see some very old trees and drink pepper leaf tea.
Some totara were tiny after 1 year of living through to hundreds of thousands of years old. We found out some names of trees, we got to visualise how life was like for maori during the Pa wars and Te Rauparaha invasion.
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5.0/5
I'm a 20 year old college student from the states.
I studied abroad this summer in New Zealand and Australia for 3 weeks. This tour was one of the highlights of my entire trip. I didn't feel like I was on a tour the whole day, I felt like I was making friends. The Maori were so welcoming, and hospitable. If you do go to Kaikoura, I would highly recommend signing up for the tour. It's a great way to learn about New Zealand culture and history!
Thanks Melanie - we really appreciate you taking the time to review your time with us. Over the years we've hosted many students studying in NZ and some of them have returned later to spend more time in our great country. If you follow this trend don't forget to drop us a line so we can catch up if you come to Kaikoura.
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5.0/5
A GENUINE NEW ZEALAND EXPERIENCE.
Our tour with Maori Tours Kaikoura was one of the most amazing journeys we have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. From the moment we were met, we were made to feel like we were genuinely welcome by Maurice and his family. It was a privilege to be informed about the history, culture and people of this most beautiful country. A truly wonderful experience that we will keep with us forever. A perfect balance of everything anyone could ask of in a tour. Fantastic and memorable.
We love sharing the culture Vanessa and never tire if meeting new people. Thanks for sharing your experience with others and all the best to you and Mathew.
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5.0/5
A great morning, fun for our six year old daughter and enjoyed by us all, especially enjoyed the singing and the forest walk.
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5.0/5
Pascal's review on 3.4.11 missed the point - this tour gave us an insight into the lives of Maoris today as well as in 1840.
The tour and the visit to his home were highlights of our 2 month trip.Things that Maurice told us about the ancient forest were reiterated later by Ulva on her guided walk of Ulva Island.
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5.0/5
For a great half day sign up for Maori Tours Kaikoura!
Maurice was an excellent teacher and guide. We got an insight into history and traditions we could not have gotten from books. The tour was personalized by being encouraged to ask questions to get more details in topics we became curious about. The hands on learning was enjoyable--learning how to sustainably cut flax leaves to make flowers, visiting an old growth forest and learning to identify native plants as food or medicine, learning how to introduce yourself in the Maori tradition, the song...
The half day went too quickly.
Lorraine it was our pleasure meeting you both and it's nice to get your feedback. Hope everything goes well for you with your bid for residency and who knows; maybe our paths will cross again sometime soon. Take care - Maurice and Heather
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5.0/5
We enjoyed listening to Maurice share his heritage with us.
His explanations were thorough and interesting. He answered our questions with complete honesty. We were welcomed into his home by both him and his wife, Heather where we shared a lite meal. Afterwards we traveled to the forest where he shared his knowledge of the plants and Maori legends.
Thanks! I would highly recommend this tour to friends and relatives.
Thanks Teri - we very much appreciate your feedback and recommendation - remember to pop in if you're back our way now you're part of our whanau (family) too!
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5.0/5
Of all the things we did in the South Island our family voted this best by far.
Morris was the most entertaining tour guide we've met and a true gentleman in every way. We learnt so much and will treasure our time with them forever!
Thanks for the lovely comments - we really appreciate your feedback.
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2.0/5
weaver working; no visuals of what the pah may have looked like.
I had been looking forward to this tour and was very disappointed and felt we were charged far too much; Meeting the family comprised Maurice talking to us and then meeting his Scottish born wife; the weaving comprised standing outside the van for 10 mins trying to weave a piece of flax, no examples of finished product nor seeing a
weaver working; no visuals of what the pah may have looked like. Come on guys! We can do better than this, have experienced far more enagaging cultural tours in Rotorua which I recommended to many. This was very disappointing and embarrassing, my foreign guests were amused!
Oh my goodness Pascal - we hoped never to receive a review like this. We've fallen well short of your expectations and I'm sorry for that. We are grateful for your candid feedback and we partucularly like the suggestion about examples of completed weaving - we'll do that.
How can we put it right? We keep good tour records and in an effort to identify what went wrong we would appreciate more info. I've checked our bookings and can't find anyone named Pascal who travelled with us this season; so would you mind contacting with more details - date and time of the tour. Our freephone is 0800 866 267 or email info@maoritours.co.nz Thanks and look forward to hearing from you.
Kia ora Pascal, it's now almost two months since you posted the above comment and we haven't heard from you yet! We really would appreciate you making contact as soon as possible - many thanks.
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5.0/5
A very interesting and fun introduction to the Maori culture and history.
Our hosts were warm and informative. They provided a real feeling of the Maori experience. Great tour and visit. It was over all too soon.
Thanks for the lovely comments and for taking the time to post a review.
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5.0/5
This is a "must do" for any visitor to New Zealand who would like to learn more about Maori culture in the Kaikoura area.
This tour is exceptional in that for a half day you feel welcomed and immersed in Maori history, legend and traditions, and come away with more than just facts and figures, but rather a feeling that you participated in something you'll never forget. Bravo to Maurice and his family for doing such a great job!
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5.0/5
Thought I'd add the pakeha KIWI perspective.
Great half-day out. Informative, interactive and I especially liked:
1. the 'connection' of the family heritage in this place that is Kaikoura.
2. Whanaungatanga (building relationships)
Ka kite ano
Whitu
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5.0/5
Interesting, informative, entertaining and fun.
What more can you ask? Fascinating perspective on Maori culture, historic and modern, all told with respect and humour. Thanks for an excellent afternoon.
Thanks heaps for the great review Allesca - we're pleased you enjoyed the day.
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5.0/5
This award winning Maori family business is a must for any visitor who wants an authentic Maori cultural expierence.
See the famous whale watch in Kaikoura, however allow time for this half daytour with a small group that has a personal touch with the family and appreciation of the local area and Maori traditions. Our expierence was one of the highlights of our trip because we were able to participate in Maori traditions.
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5.0/5
They set up a special time to take our group out, THANKS!
Great time we loved the Maori Asparagus and Tea and Maori stories. Thank you for welcoming us into your home and making us feel the culture not just see it. A great change of pace from the adrenaline tours in NZ. Thanks again we will always remember our Day with you.
Cale and Ryane - USA
Love it that you enjoyed the tour and thanks for the review!!!
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5.0/5
This was a half day tour which gave us a good insight in to the ways and traditions of the Maori people.
Maurice and Tanya (the tour guides) wre friendly, knowlledgable and alway willing to answer questions. This is a family run business and we were welcomed into Maurice's home where his wife Heather had prepared a really tasty bite to eat. The tour was interjected with a little human when we were taught a Maori song. Part of the tour included a gentle walk of around half an hour, a good pair of trainers is as good footwear as you need. I would strongly advise taking a camera/camcorder. overall a fantastic experience
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5.0/5
This was a brilliant personalised tour.
We learnt a lot about Maori protocols and then applied them in a visit to our guide's home for morning tea. We learnt a lot about uses of native plants, got to try some native tea, learn some flax weaving, and learn a song to sing to the great trees of the forest. This tour is a must do in Kaikoura and a great way to be welcomed to the area.
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5.0/5
Fabulous, Interesting , informative and fun .
We learnt to Hongi , to sing a maori song and some flax weaving . Great little walk in the woods with some of the virtues of Native plants explained . Lovely friendly hosts . Good value .
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5.0/5
Our morning with Maori Tours was a highlight of our recent holiday in New Zealand.
It is not your typical tourist tour but an intimate (max 8 people) insightful knowledge based experience that is geared for anyone interested in learning more about the local Maori culture and it's history. It is of the caliber that a city museum might offer in the States.
An added bonus is that it is family run by Maori people who have a rich history of leadership as part of their local tribe. There are stories told about their ancestors that really bring this history to life. And their authentic hospitality was revealed when we visited their home for morning tea. These are the kind of people, the type of business and the kind of travel experience I would support anywhere in the world. An exceptional opportunity and one I will treasure.
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5.0/5
Owners and Operators of this wonderful experience are the best - real value for money.
We highly recommend this to everyone.
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5.0/5
My 15 year old daughter was reluctant to do this tour but I am so glad that I insisted.
Morris and Tanya are excellent guides with an amazing ability to bring Maori history to life. The forest walk was fantastic even in the rain. It was also wonderful to be welcomed into Morris and Heathers home and to meet 3 of their grandchildren.
I would reccomend this tour for anyone but especially those with teenage children who need to hear about these amazing people and what people can achieve.
Many thanks for opening our minds
Cathy and Erin
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5.0/5
Very good value for money, interesting and unique made very enjoyable by the great people running the tour.
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4.0/5
Well organised, good guide, Maori language + customs taught.
We were welcomed to a maori home for morning tea. Respect for environment.
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5.0/5
Maurice and Tanya were wonderful, informative and humorous guides.
Tea at Heather and Maurice's home and meeting the little boys was delightful. The time flew by and we learned so much. All five of us really enjoyed the whole tour. The walk in the forest was a highlight as well - we were so impressed with Tanya's knowledge and obvious attachment to nature. I must say...WE HAVE BEEN SINGING AND HUMMING THE MAORI SONG ALL WEEK! This is no a bad thing...Maurice, you must be smiling about this. Than you so much or a wonderful experience for all of us.
All the best,
Rima (Mary)
Thanks for the feedback Mary, we really appreciate you taking the time to rank us. Say Hi to the rest of the whanau and look us up when you come back:)
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5.0/5
Researching for a travel guide and having visited many Maori operators I want to say that this was one of the best Maori cultural tours I have experienced.
Three main aspects of the tour made my experience a special one:
1) Personal and intimate (family business, small groups, welcomed at family home)
2) interactive (interaction with visitors in powhiri, song, harakeke weaving, tea tasting etc.)
3) inclusion of regional and tribal characteristics in general Maori experience
Congratulations, great concept!
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5.0/5
A very information and relaxed experiance.
Learnt a lot, laughed a lot. Would love to do it on a nice sunny day, but even the rain did not stop us enjoying ourselves. Very friendly, very personal, and very knowledgable and so proud of their heritage and so happy to share it. Better value for the money than a lot of things we did in New Zealand.
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5.0/5
A wonderfully fun, friendly and informative look of the Maori tribe and the way of life from beging to present, in the Kaikoura area.
The forset walk is lovley and the drive very picturesquie, sutiable for everyone of all ages shapes and sizes, worth every cent, and will be recomending to my friends
