Urban Maori Experience, Auckland

A truly unique and 'off the beaten track' Auckland experience!

Melissa and Bianca, owners of ‘Potiki’, have combined their love of greater Auckland’s breathtaking landscapes with their desire to showcase the beauty of Maori culture – the end result being the creation of some truly unique and refreshing ‘off the beaten track’ Auckland experiences.

The ‘Urban Maori Experience’ explores some of Auckland’s lesser known forest and beach locations – including an historic Maori pa site (fortified village), a funky urban village with contemporary Maori arts and crafts, the Waitakere Ranges rainforest and a wild, west coast black sand surf beach (on Saturdays, you will also enjoy a visit to South Auckland’s renowned Otara Market – the largest Maori and Polynesian market in the South Pacific). Your guide will share traditional Maori myths and legends with you and provide a fascinating insight into contemporary Maori culture.

Operating in the summer months only, Potiki’s unique ‘Marine Reserve Adventure’ heads north of Auckland to a pristine marine reserve for some kayaking, snorkelling and swimming – followed by a visit to a beautiful east coast beach. As with ‘Urban Maori Experience’, you will gain a unique Maori perspective on the places you visit.

Melissa’s great passion is Maori art – and private art tours, which include visits to established Maori artists in their homes, to see their works in progress and talk about their heritage and how it influences their style, are also available.