Discover the Māori experience with New Zealand In Depth’s new cultural tourism itinerary

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With cultural tourism booming worldwide, New Zealand In Depth has unveiled an immersive Māori cultural experience, allowing travelers to connect with the country’s indigenous heritage.

This unique offering is designed to meet the rising global demand for cultural tourism, a market projected to grow from USD 6.08 billion in 2023 to USD 17.81 billion by 2032.

The new itinerary provides guests with a profound understanding of Māori culture, history, and traditions through award-winning accommodations, sacred sites, and hands-on cultural activities.

From watching the sunrise atop the sacred Maunga Hikurangi mountain to preparing a traditional Māori Hangi feast, visitors can engage with the vibrant culture that has shaped New Zealand’s national identity.

Highlights of the Experience Include:

• Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours: Stay at this Māori-owned lakeside lodge, winner of the New Zealand Tourism Award for its integration of core Māori values. Guests can participate in cultural activities such as weaving, haka lessons, and nighttime eel fishing while enjoying panoramic water views.
• Kapiti Island Nature Tours: Explore this historically significant nature reserve, operated by a Māori whānau (family) since 1820. Visitors can spot elusive Kiwi birds during a night tour and relax in glamping tents or cabins, surrounded by native birdlife and serene landscapes.
• Orakei Korako: Visit New Zealand’s most spectacular geothermal wonderland, featuring active geysers, boiling hot springs, and one of only two geothermal caves in the world. This site was historically occupied by Māori communities, offering a glimpse into their connection with the land.
• Ancestral Footprints Cultural Tour: Discover the history of Mount Tarawera, once home to Māori settlements. Explore the famed pink and white terraces at Lake Rotomahana and unwind in geothermal waters.
• Sunrise on Maunga Hikurangi: Begin the day on the sacred mountain of the Ngati Porou people, where guests can admire nine Māori carvings depicting the legendary demi-god Maui while witnessing a breathtaking sunrise.
• Fishing and Foraging with Celebrity Hosts: Join Deon Muir, former Māori All Blacks captain, and celebrity chefs for a guided ocean adventure with Muir Tours. Learn traditional fishing techniques, prepare your catch, and enjoy a cultural storytelling feast.

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Paul Carberry, founder of New Zealand In Depth, emphasized the importance of preserving and sharing Māori culture: “Māori culture is deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of its people.

These experiences allow visitors to honor a rich heritage that has shaped New Zealand for centuries.”

A 12-night itinerary, starting at £2,500 per person (excluding international flights), includes accommodations on Kapiti Island and at Kohutapu Lodge, a rental car, sunrise tours, and guided experiences with Muir Tours and Totally Tarawera.

For travelers seeking a meaningful cultural connection, this itinerary offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of Māori life and traditions, blending history, nature, and community for an unforgettable experience.