A Central City Māori Cultural Itinerary

Whether arriving on a cruise ship or visiting briefly, you’ll find options here to experience a genuine connection to Māori culture.

AU – The Visitor Promise

For travellers keen to learn a little before exploring, The Visitor Promise offers an engaging online introduction to Aotearoa. With videos, quizzes, and Moana as your guide, it’s an easy, enjoyable way to deepen your understanding of Māori culture and language, knowledge you can put to immediate use upon arrival, and for just $15.

Te Wharekura

For cruise passengers, Te Wharekura is one of the first places to greet you along the waterfront. This vibrant cultural space is where local iwi (tribe) Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei share their stories and identity.

Opened in 2020 through a partnership between Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Council, the space invites visitors to explore Māori cultural concepts through interactive displays and works by local artists, all anchored in the belief Taiao Ora, Tangata Ora (when the environment thrives, the people thrive).

Panapa Charters

From Te Wharekura, it’s a short walk to Westhaven Marina and Panapa Charters. This experience is ideal for those who love fishing or simply want to explore the Waitematā Harbour. Panapa Charters draws on more than 50 years of family legacy and a deep respect for Tangaroa (Māori god of the sea).

Their crew welcomes guests like whānau (family), sharing local knowledge, stories, and the Māori values that guide their work, such as kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land and sea) and manaakitanga (generosity, care, and hospitality).

The Haka Experience

Most visitors recognise the haka, but kapa haka, Māori performing arts, encompasses so much more. Led by experts Tāpeta and Annette Wehi, Te Wehi Haka performances showcase traditions of song and dance that share stories, address contemporary issues, and entertain.

Their vision is simple: to share the beauty, strength, and depth of haka with the world. For many visitors, it becomes one of the most memorable parts of their time in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Learn more about The Haka Experience, and where you might be able to get involved.

TIME Unlimited Tours

If you’re seeking an experience tailored to suit your group, your schedule, and your interests, TIME Unlimited Tours offers award-winning luxury experiences across Auckland and its surrounds.

Family-owned and operated since 2005, they are known for their warmth, expertise, and strong commitment to cultural integrity. Their small-group and private tours connect guests with coastlines, landscapes, cuisine, and Māori stories, delivered with premium service and genuine local insight.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Just a short walk from the waterfront, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki houses artworks across four floors, from contemporary Māori and Pacific works to international pieces.

Entry is free, and visitors can explore independently, join guided tours, or enjoy hands-on activities for tamariki (children) in the Creative Learning Centre. With a café and a shop featuring local makers, it’s a must-visit cultural destination.

Waiheke Island

A quick 35-minute ferry ride from the city takes you to Waiheke Island, a place that feels like another world yet remains close enough for a day trip. With around 30 boutique vineyards, tasting rooms, and acclaimed restaurants, Waiheke is known as Aotearoa’s island of wine. Three Treasures of Tāmaki await:

• Tūāpae Vineyard — wine tasting grounded in stories and connection to place (note that the Cellar Door at Tūāpae Vineyard is closed over the winter season, so check their website or email ahead to verify).
• Pause for Tea — handcrafted tea blends inspired by Māori narratives.
• Timmy Smith — jewellery and design grounded in whakapapa (lineage) and whenua (land/place).

Plan Your Journey

From harbour voyages to haka, galleries, luxury touring, and island escapes, this itinerary highlights just a selection of the experiences available in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

• To explore more Treasures or book your next experience, visit the Treasures of Tāmaki listings and begin planning your journey.