Maori Tours Kaikoura

Meet the Māori: The First People of New Zealand

"Run by cultural guide and business leader Rawiri Edward Manawatu—a descendant with eight generations in the area—this guided experience offers a deeply personal, historically grounded introduction to Māori life and cultural revival. Tours take visitors to ancestral lands, historic battle sites, and remnants of traditional villages while explaining traditional daily practices such as fishing, hunting, gardening, and the role of tohunga in passing on specialist knowledge. Participants are urged to engage respectfully: adhere to protocol during traditional welcomes, follow the guide’s instructions, and ask permission when prompted. The experience is intended for travelers seeking a meaningful, community-rooted connection to Māori heritage." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines