CONNECTING YOU TO THE HEART OF INDIGENOUS
- Explore the hidden scenic treasures
- Indulge in the fresh kai (food)
- Experience authentic cultures
- Unlock the ancestral stories of the promised lands
- Cultural portraits of being a warrior or tribal queen
- Locally made souvenirs and products
- Customize your EXPERIENCE today with A2D
Whakatane Region
The name Whakatane commemorates an incident occurring after the arrival of the Mataatua waka (canoe). The men had gone a shore and the waka (canoe) began to drift. Waiaraka, a chieftainess, said ``Ka whaka tane au i ahau`` (`` I will make myself a man``) and commenced to paddle, and with the help of the other women saved the waka (canoe).
This region is one hour (86kms) from Rotorua and also one hour (89kms) from Tauranga
Explore WhakataneTauranga Region
Tauranga is the populist city in the Bay of Plenty region located in the North Island of New Zealand. The name Tauranga is a Maori name having the meaning of safe anchorage or resting place. The earliest known settlers were Maori who arrived in Tauranga from the Mataatua waka (canoe).
This region is 45mins (64kms) from Rotorua.
Explore TaurangaKawerau Region
Kawerau was a grandson of the Great Toi/Kai/Rakau, a famous chief who lived in the Bay of Plenty before the 1350AD Maori Fleet arrived. Kawerau, meaning ``Carrier of leaves``.
This region is 35mins (55kms) from Rotorua.
Explore KawerauTaumarunui Region
The name Taumarunui is reported to be the dying words of the Maori chief Pehi Turoa - Taumaru meaning screen and Nui meaning big, translated as Big Screen, being built to shelter him from the sun or more commonly known to mean - ``The place of big shelter``.
This region is 95mins (168kms) from Rotorua.
Explore Taumarunui