Māori Cultural Tour: Rotorua Rainforest Journey
5.0
5 Ratings
Whirinaki Te Pua A Tane Conservation Park

Explore Whirinaki Forest with Māori guides, discover ancient trees, rare birds, and enjoy a traditional picnic. Book your unforgettable Rotorua adventure today.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Whirinaki Te Pua A Tane Conservation Park - Embark on an exciting and educational cultural journey from Rotorua! Departing from Rotorua iSite at 8:30 am, this guided bus tour takes you deep into the heart of a Jurassic podocarp native rainforest. Meet your Māori guides, who will greet you with a traditional Mihi Whakatau and Karakia to ensure a…
see more
What's Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information

An unforgettable adventure from beginning to end! This guided Māori cultural walking tour through a breathtaking Jurassic podocarp rainforest was truly unique. The journey commenced with a comfortable and enjoyable bus ride from Rotorua, where the group met the welcoming Māori guides. Upon arrival, participants were greeted with a traditional Mihi…

see more
Location
Whirinaki Te Pua A Tane Conservation Park
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
837marjaj
Oct 25, 2025
Interesting walk through the primeval forest with a Maori guide - Together with my husband we did the walk through the Wharinaki primeval forest today. After the welcoming ceremony we started the walk. Our guide Destiny had a lot of knowledge about the special trees and plants. During the walk she also told Maori stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. We ended it with lunch and traditional kawakawa tea. As icing on the cake, we stopped at an ancient rock painting on the way. We thought it was a very nice day. Definitely recommended!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
905everta
Oct 16, 2025
An unforgettable, fully catered Maori forest experience. - Through our tour operator, we participated in the Whirinaki Forest Footsteps, a cultural Maori walk through part of the rainforest, followed by a picnic, a visit to ancient cave engravings, and a transfer from Rotorua. It was a wonderful experience, especially thanks to Destiny, the young Maori guide, who told us so much about the trees, plants, and animals that live there. Of course, "Harry," the bus driver, is also a wonderful person with an inimitable name. After a long bus ride, including a bathroom break, we arrived at the forest and first underwent a traditional Mihi Whakatau and Karakia before entering the forest. A process that made us feel like family and one with the forest. Halfway through the walk, we took a moment for reflection with a so-called "Forest Bathing," a moment of peace, listening to the forest, its sounds, and the birds. Following the forest walk, we enjoyed a delicious picnic with a refreshing Kawakawa tea. On the way back, we stopped at the Kaingaroa Rock Carvings and heard more Maori stories from Destiny. It was wonderful how she managed to connect the past and present. It was a truly heartwarming experience that left a lasting memory for us. If you're drawn to Maori culture and nature, this is a wonderful experience not to be missed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debra_j
Apr 29, 2025
Best tour of our trip to New Zealand - If I could give it a higher score I would. Our guide (Harry) was amazing and helped us understand so much about the Māori culture. The rainforest walk was beautiful and so peaceful and informative.
Review provided by Viator
Richard_f
Mar 5, 2025
A lovely experience of Māori culture. - Kiitti and Harry were fabulous. Very thoughtful and informative. Nice pace. A memorable time together in the forest.
Review provided by Viator
Tommyy2000
Dec 20, 2024
Heartwarming tour by family. You realize what's important again. - Together with my partner we participated in the private walk + picnic through our tour operator. It was fantastic! The bus driver and uncle of the guide had a lot of humor. And no we still can't pronounce his name haha. He has also shared with us an enormous amount of knowledge that has been passed on from generation to generation by the Maori. Arriving at the forest, the guide gave us an introduction ritual to the forest. Then the beautiful walk started and the guide really taught us a lot about the plants, animals and Maori culture. It was great! We ended with a delicious picnic and we got kawakawa tea (hot and cold). A special drink from their culture. There was guitar playing and singing. And yes, we had to sing along too haha. It was a hugely heartwarming experience and very special. It feels good to get so close to nature. And uncle and cousin make a fantastic team together! Definitely do this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $157
From $157
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Select a date
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).