Ever since learning about Maori body art as a photographer working with North American tattoo magazines, I had been obsessed with learning more about the Maori culture, and especially their art forms.

I was intrigued enough that I had been actively looking for grants that would allow me to head to NZ for several months or more, to give me time to really learn from and about the Maori people.

Though I hadn’t found the perfect grant, I was compelled to finally visit NZ when I discovered a $598 round-trip fare from the US!

When I headed to NZ in the midst of their winter, my primary focus was snowboarding. But I was also looking for an introduction into Maori culture, not a performance geared towards tourists who were looking for an afternoon’s entertainment rather than learning about another culture.

When I arrived in Auckland towards the end of my holiday, I researched my Maori learning options. Other than Potiki Adventures, most consisted of brief performances that allotted no time for really learning about the culture.

So I signed up for the Urban Maori Experience with Potiki Adventures. It was perfect.

Shortly into the tour, at One Tree Hill, I learned that our guide Melissa had actually majored in Maori art and offered custom tours showcasing Maori artists and their work. I was in heaven. I explained to her that I had a long-standing interest in Maori tattoos. Before I left the next day, Melissa made sure to help me find the book Mau Moko at a local bookstore.

I only wish I had discovered Potiki Adventures earlier in my holiday. They will definitely be a major component of my next holiday in Aotearoa!

Reviewed almost 15 years ago and experienced in July 2009