I went on a tour with Potiki Adventures, a local tour operator whose directors are both part Maori because it was important to me that I won’t only be driven to the ”most important sights” by a huge coach

to take pictures. It was a familial and exclusive tour because the maximum of clients on one tour is about 10 people.

The first place to go was the Auckland Museum where Melissa gave an introduction to Maori culture, to the meaning of the carvings, symbols etc. Our next stop was One Tree Hill, a volcanic peak and a fortified village in former times. From here, we had an amazing view over the city; there were not too many tourists as huge coaches can’t drive up the hill. Our next destination was Kingsland, where we had lunch in a nice local café, went to shops with Maori art, clothing and jewellery. The last places to go were the Waitakeri Ranges Rainforest and the black sand west coast beaches. Here we could gaze at the amazing beauty of the nature of this country. We walked along the desolated Karekare Beach where “The Piano” was filmed. Finally, we had a walk around the bush and stopped at a waterfall where Melissa told us the Maori legend of creation.

The trip was informative but also vivid, lively and spirited. It was enriching, inspiring and cheerful. Melissa was great. She unified passion, knowledge, warmth and friendliness. She was like a friend showing us around and telling us about herself, her heritage and her favourite places.

The tour was memorable, unique and impressive. I walked around in amazing scenery and got great insights in a fascinating culture by nice anecdotes and worth knowing information. Although I “prepared” my stay in Auckland/New Zealand and I recognized evidence of Maori culture before doing this tour, this trip has aided me in developing a deeper understanding and aroused the curiosity of getting to know much more about the fascinating culture of the Maori.

Conclusion: Highly recommendable.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in July 2009