Welcome, Welcome, Welcome

Nau mai, haere mai.....

At the foot of the entrance Mauao (Mt Maunganui) stands.  Our Maori people travelled great distances in huge waka (canoes) to land here in Tauranga Moana, five of the seven waka arrived and three of the Iwi settled others moved on throughout the North Island.

Tauranga Moana has authentic experiences with rich & plentiful stories told by the people of the land.  Travellers who are seeking a cultural and educational experiences can find a unique story that is here waiting to be told.  

Contact us and we can help you find the right experience from a walk around Mauao to adventure trips all with cultural aspects and knowledge into the past.

A significant landmark to local Maori is Mauao or Mt Maunganui. This is represented in our branding and has the bold blue color, synonymous with the colors of the ocean. The three triangles identify the Iwi of Tauranga Moana which are Ngati Ranginui, Ngaiterangi and Ngati Pukenga. The location of the triangles represent where tangata whenua lived and battled on Mauao.

The koru reflects the inner harbour showing forward motion of growth, representative that Maori Tourism is part of a thriving industry. Te Whetu Arataki - The Guiding Star was the name given by Uncle Dan Heke when Maori tourism was beginning to develop in Tauranga Moana. 

Here there is many stories to be told our land is so diverse, a Rock left by the Tanui waka (canoe) is just one of the stories to be heard.

Bay of Plenty where our ancestors explored the land and built their settlements around the harbour. Maori cultivated their crops in the fertile soils and used natural resources from the forests, land, sea and streams.

Our people learnt to live in harmony with their environment where Papatuanuku (earth mother) looked after the people and the people looked after Papatuanuku. The strong bond that was forged has carried through to today's society and there are many historical settlements and traditions evident in our modern culture. Come and see the spectacle that Tauranga Moana is. The pristine waters, the majestic mountains and the diverse people.

No reira, nau mai, haere mai.