The Iconic Stars of Matariki - Premium Cultural Itinerary
Auckland to Northland 4-Day Luxury Itinerary Our luxury Maori cultural interactive tours provide true insight to our unique Maori culture. Our Maori host guides, as your cultural ambassadors, share real connections with local people and their culture. We engage all your senses when Pleiades (Matariki) ‘eyes of God’ takes prominence in our night skies. Feel our spiritual connection to the land and sense of genuine connection with these very culturally significant regions of Auckland and Northland. An introduction to a relationship with the people, places and the stories of our rich cultural heritage.
This is your chance to experience luxury in diverse activities off the beaten tourist trail in real life Auckland and Northland, as the local people share their everyday in the celebration of Matariki.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Your host guide is your cultural ambassador to Māori in New Zealand providing authentic engagement with local Maori
• Dome-screen movie theatre digital projection telling the story of Matariki
• Celebration of Māori New Year, Matariki, in a “shared feast”
• An introduction to a relationship with the people, places and the stories of our rich cultural heritage
• Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty House and the Te Tii Marae, New Zealand’s most famous Marae
• Interactive workshops in Māori kite making and weaving of Māori baskets
• Drive through the beautiful coastal and rolling farmland of subtropical Northland
FULL ITINERARY
Private Tour Day 1: Auckland
On first meeting, we will honour you as our special guests with a Maori informal greeting and spiritual chant for a safe passage on our 4-day journey together. Part of the acknowledgement in this ceremony is recognising that you stand before us today as not only yourself, but all those in your family who have gone before you, we welcome you and them spiritually, through you, to our land. It was Tane Mahuta (God of the Forest) who fashioned from clay the body of a woman and breathed life into her nostrils, today we ask you to ‘share the breath of life’ (hongi) by pressing noses with your host guide (Kaiarahi).
The Iconic Stars of Matariki are a collection of activities heavily focussed on Māori Culture, today’s first visit is to the people of Ngāti Whatua at Takaparawhau, Bastion Point where you can make a long-term contribution to the sustainability of the land so sacred to Ngāti Whatua.
Visit one of Auckland’s most famous icons along the volcanic field, Maungakiekie (mountain of kiekie vine) One Tree Hill, with extensive city views from the summit this area was the largest and most intensively settled fortified villages in Auckland and the centre of Māori occupation during the 18th century under the paramount chief Kiwi Tamaki.
Stardome Observatory Planetarium, relax back in reclining seats as digital projections of stars and planets come to life on the giant dome-screen above you in the Story of Matariki. Finishing our day with tasters together and change the status of completed strangers to new acquaintances.
Accommodation in Auckland – Additional cost
• The Boatshed, Waiheke Island, Auckland
• Earthsong Lodge, Great Barrier Island, Auckland
Private Tour Day 2: Auckland to Hokianga
Pukekawa (hill of bitter memories) remembers tribal battles between northern tribes of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Whatua and the relationship with the tribes of the Māori King. It is here the Auckland Museum stands with a visit to the Māori Natural History Gallery which presents a Māori view of the creation of the universe and of the two primal parents, Sky Father and Earth Mother. The Museum Māori Cultural performing group Raukura will complete the visit with a 30-minute performance of song and dance.
Leaving Auckland to the Tail of the Fish to Northland up to Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe the departure place of Kupe – before he left. Share an evening of company with the locals and a Matariki Celebration Feast. The crisp clear skies provide the perfect backdrop as the focus turns to the constellation of Matariki.
Accommodation in Northland – Additional cost
• Eagles Nest Lodge, Bay of Islands
• The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay
• Helena Bay Lodge, Hikurangi
Private Tour Day 3: Hokianga to Cape Reinga
Maori believe that the optimum time to connect with the spiritual world is when the world is asleep and we begin the day with a spiritual connection to the land, the sea, everything that surrounds us. The morning is travelling up to the top of the North Island to Cape Reinga where you can watch from the lighthouse as the two oceans collide (Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean) or what Maori refer to as the meeting of Te Moana-a-Rehua (the sea of Rehua).
On route back to Hokianga the Waka Complex with its Kapehu Whetū Star Compass at the Navigation School with Maori canoe (waka) on-site. The evening is an insight into the connection Maori have with the land and everything that comes from the land as the kaitiaki or guardians of Waipoua Forest introduce you to the kauri trees known as “the Father of the Forest” and “the Lord of the Forest”.
Accommodation in Northland – Additional cost
• Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands
• Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay
• Helena Bay, Hikurangi
Private Tour Day 4: Northland to Auckland
A cultural experience in New Zealand cannot go without a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed in 1840. The new Te Kongahu, the Museum of Waitangi with world class exhibitions using state-of-the-art technology and fully interactive multimedia display. Exclusive workshop on traditional Maori kite (Manutukutuku) making as part of a renaissance of Maori knowledge, before gathering for a traditional Maori earth oven (hangi) and Cultural Performance by Te Pitowhenua Cultural Group.
Completing our Iconic Stars of Matariki brings the journey to an end as we return you to Auckland. You were welcomed into our hearts with a welcoming ceremony just three day ago, before our time together comes to an end it is customary that we farewell you in the same manner.
RATE INFORMATION
Group quotes tailored on request.
Rate Information: (NZ$) Rate: 01 April – 30 September (Low Season)*
5 or more Adults price per adult per day: $1200
4 Adults price per adult per day: $1325
3 Adults price per adult per day: $1525
2 Adults price per adult per day: $1750
Rate: 01 October – 31 March (High Season)*
5 or more Adults price per adult per day: $1250
4 Adults price per adult per day: $1375
3 Adults price per adult per day: $1575
2 Adults price per adult per day: $1800
PLEASE NOTE: ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS ARE NOT INCLUDED. SOME ACTIVITIES AS SPECIFIED.
• Children at 50% of Adult rates.
• This Tour is available for a minimum of 2 people.
Whether you arrive on Waiheke Island by boat, plane or helicopter there is nothing like arriving at this special place.
With its relaxed pace of life and unpolished charm, Waiheke offers a perfect start or finish to any New Zealand itinerary.
Situated above Oneroa beach, The Boatshed offers chic accommodation with the highest level of design and service detail. Beautifully appointed guest rooms look out over the bay with plenty of alfresco spaces to enjoy your daily meals.
Owned by the same family for 35 years, this property was developed by well known New Zealand designer Davis Scott as the perfect beach retreat. Today it is run by the next generation in the family along with a small team of dedicated professionals.
The place is geared around doing very little, relaxing with a great book, enjoy a lazy breakfast, having a massage or taking a stroll on the beach. However, those that like to explore won’t be disappointed, discovering everything from vineyards and beautiful coastal walks to soft adventure such as paddle boarding and kayaking.
With six private beaches, an award-winning vineyard, lush wetlands, and four extraordinary Residences, The Landing is a unique 1000-acre property.
It was in this area that the earliest European settlers landed, meeting the Maori and beginning the story of modern New Zealand.
A unique sanctuary, The Landing’s historical significance can be explored through special walking tracks and the treasured stories of the all-local teams.
The beauty of the land is celebrated through the experiences on offer: from paddle-boarding to skippered big-game fishing, guided kiwi-spotting walks, wine tasting, garden-to-plate dining and more.
Once called “Another world, at the edge of the world”, the most unforgettable memories of New Zealand are made at The Landing.
Eagles Nest is a world class retreat overlooking the spectacular Bay of Islands and designed in an eclectic, international, contemporary style.
Within easy walking distance of the historic village of Russell, the estate offers five multi-award-winning luxury villas, four of which offer their own private heated infinity edge lap pools.
Talented resident chefs prepare cuisine featuring regional delicacies in true Pacific style matched with New Zealand wines.
All guests are welcomed with a complimentary bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne as they settle into this spectacular property.
The unique personal concierge service offered throughout a guests stay, extends to meals - from casual barbeques to degustations, provisioning, complimentary Russell return chauffeur driven transfers, spa services, personal chef services and activity/travel arrangements specifically catered to guests interests and wants.
Eagles Nest is truly somewhere between seven stars and heaven.
Open For Bookings
Helena Bay Lodge is delighted to announce that we are reopening from 5 November 2020 until 31 March 2021. In addition to this, we will be operating five days a week, Thursday through to Monday.
At present, New Zealand is closed to overseas visitors due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. In view of this, we are unable to confirm overseas bookings until these restrictions have been lifted. We are, however, accepting holds for a limited period, in the hope that we will be able to confirm your booking in due course. If you would like more information on our hold policy, please contact our reception team at reception@helenabay.com.
National Geographic Traveller Magazine ranked this location second-equal in The World’s Top Rated Islands, Coastlines and Beaches. Dotted with red-flowering pohutakawa trees and rocky outcroppings, the coastline of Helena Bay invites exploration, by land and by sea.
The main lodge surrounds a heated 25m swimming pool offering complete privacy from the coast. There is also a large gallery, extensive gym and sauna wing and a good selection of cosy rooms for private dining, all with sea views.
The lodge has brought the celebrated Michelin starred Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 of Southern Italy to New Zealand. Under the direction and influence of Don Alfonso’s philosophy of respecting the local food culture, the kitchen incorporates the age-old traditions of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Significant investment has been made at Helena Bay to offer guests ‘Estate to Plate’ cuisine, with menus changing daily.
Introducing Helena Bay Lodge's Latest Addition - Ruru
Our luxury charter boat, Ruru, is perfect for couples or groups of up to twelve people who would like to explore the coastline and Bay of Islands. We have several options available, including full and half-day charters. Whether you're interested in fishing, snorkelling or simply relaxing in the sun, our trips can be customised to your exact preferences.
Itinerary
Day One Auckland Stay The Boatshed, Waiheke Island or Te Arai Lodge, Mangawhai Day Two Auckland to Hokianga Stay Eagles Nest / The Landing Day Three Cape Reinga Stay Kauri Cliffs / The Landing Day Four Northland to Auckland Stay Helena Bay
Total Suggested Nights
4
For availability, further information and reservations please contact:
TIME Unlimited Tours
Phone 0064 9 846 3469
Email : info@newzealandtours.travel