Cultural Trail of Tauranga

Nature / Culture / Myths & Legends / Kiwi Fruit 

... we host! ... we share! ... we educate! ... we entertain! ... Introduction Indigenous Trails has a proven track record of providing quality and affordable Cruise Ship day excursions of distinction in multiple Port locations around Aotearoa, New Zealand for small tour groups. We proudly introduce to our 'Visitors' - 'Manuhiri Tuarangi' a 'brief snap-shot' of genuine 'Manaakitanga - Hospitality' for the short time they are in Port, whilst understanding the importance of creating a more 'intimate' and 'personalised' environment. Indigenous Trails gives visitors the oppurtunity to experience attractions and activities that are 'off-the-beaten-track' and away from the 'hoards' of Tourists on more conventional Crusie Ship itineraries. By constructing its own programmes and excursion schedules, this flexibility allows Indigenous Trails to provide exposure to other Indigenous operatives outside of mainstream tourism, thus providing satisfied enjoyment to its clientele through Cultural 'understanding', 'participation' and 'interaction', hence creating a 'meaningful' and more 'purposeful' excursion of distinction.

Description: Nau mai Haere mai ... Welcome ... On arrival in Tauranga you will be met by your Indigenous Trails’ Guide and board your transport for your ‘Cultural Trail’ of ‘Tauranga Moana’. Your guide will brief you on the day’s events and safety procedures, before embarking on this trail. Minden Look-out We start this local trail with a drive past the small beach-side resort of "Mount Maunganui" and the iconic landmark "Mauao" enroute to the  "Minden Look-out", Te Puna. After passing the City of Tauranga, we arrive at the Look-out located on the outskirts of Tauranga, you have the oppurtunity to see fabulous panoramic views of Tauranga Moana, its Rural landscape and Coastal boundaries.  Oropi - "Valley of the Sighing Waters" & Kiwi Fruit Orchard We arrive at ‘Oropi’ situated in the foothills of Tauranga. Set amidst serene natural landscape, participate in a brief "Maori Welcome" before embarking on an amazing ‘nature walk’ through 'native flora' and 'fauna' whilst receiving a personalized commentary about the Legend of Mauao, from your guide. Highlights of this activity include ‘photo shoot’ by a ‘natural occurring waterfall’ and the opportunity to ‘plant’ and ‘tag’ a 'Native Tree' in support of the local 're-forestation programme' on-site. Refreshments in form of a "lunch pack" in a "flax-woven Maori kite" will be enjoyed while visiting an adjoining "Kiwi Fruit Orchard". Learn about the "Kiwi", one of New Zealand's largest export products and long regarded as one of the world's finest and healthiest fruits.  "Mauao" - Mount Maunganui You will return to Mount Maunganui where your guide will deliver the oral history of the region's icon - "Mauao". When this sequence is completed, you will receive an "Official Certificate of Acknowledgement" commemorating your visit by the local Maori tribe - "iwi" and "Maori Trust", whom are Guardians - "Kaitiaki" of this spiritual landmark.

Duration: 4 hours  General information: This tour is suitable for all ages Bottled water will be supplied on-board Bring sun-hat, sun-cream and suitable footwear  The ‘Nature Walk’ is classed as easy Tour times are determined by the arrival and departure times of the boats We make sure we will be back by the boat on time All tours are escorted by Maori Guides Tipping is not accepted COST:  $105.00 NZD / person click on price for exchange calculator The price includes the following: Air-conditioned Coach Transport from and to Ship Water onboard Live commentary   Maori Guide(s) /Chaperone(s)  Minden Look-out Gentle Nature Walk & Tree planting activity Lunch Pack Myths & Legends - "Mauao"  Kiwi Fruit Orchard Indigenous Heritage Certificate of Acknowledgment  Good Service Tax Numbers: Maximum numbers: 25* BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL(LIMITED SEATS) Where to find us on arrival: Due to the large volumes of passengers dis-embarking for various tours at this Port, Indigenous Trails requests that its clientele follow the safety guidelines suggested below. Unless otherwise agreed between parties, an Indigenous Trails representative will be standing Port-side where your Ship docks. Please look for a sign displaying: INDIGENOUS TRAILS and we will direct you to your transportation. Should you have any difficulty finding us, kindly notify port-side Security who will ensure your safety untill we find/reach you. WARNING!! - The Port of Tauranga is a working Port. We ask all visitors to exercise EXTREME CAUTION when negotiating in and around this area. There are numerous hazards operating in form of Fork-hoists, Container machinery, Heavy Traffic Vehicles and Reversing Tour Coaches. To ensure your safety at all times, please adhere to these warnings. "PLEASE STAY WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS" Schedule for the day's tour: Pick up from the Ship Minden Look-out, Te Puna Nature Walk & Tree Planting activity - Oropi Lunch  Kiwi Fruit Orchard - Oropi Indigenous Heritage - Mauao Drop off at the Ship

* Please note that this is a 'shared tour', Indigenous Trails encourages visitors looking to book this excursion to travel with such a 'shared service' to mitigate the impacts on the environment by not having to use multiple vehicles with smaller passenger numbers, in accordance with our responsible travel policy. Indigenous Trails reserves the right to adjust or cancel any part of this excursion schedule due to any unforseen circumstance beyond its control. All tours are subject to availability.

Available Dates - Cultural Trail of Tauranga 2009-2010: (Cruise Season ONLY)

November 2009	11	14	18	22
December 2009	1	5	14	18	21	24
January 2010	2	3	4	6	13	15	17	19	22	24	25	27	28	31
February 2010	1	3	8	9	10	11	13	14	15	22	23	27
March 2010	1	8	13	30

Rates: Cultural Trail of Tauranga (Per person) Rate                       Rate from             Rate to               Per Adult          Per Child         Rack Rate               01/01/07               01/05/10               $105.00             $65.00 Adult Price: 12 years and older             Child Price: 11 years and younger

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Go to testimonials to see feedback from Cruise Ship Season 2008 - 2009