Whirinaki Forest Footsteps: Māori Guided Tour, Picnic & Transfer

We loved this tour! Great guides that were friendly, fun, taught us a lot, sang, and more. We had a fantastic time and deeply appreciated all they shared about the forest and Māori history/culture.

Together with my husband we did the walk through the Wharinaki primeval forest today. After the welcoming ceremony we started the walk. Our guide Destiny had a lot of knowledge about the special trees and plants. During the walk she also told Maori stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. We ended it with lunch and traditional kawakawa tea. As icing on the cake, we stopped at an ancient rock painting on the way. We thought it was a very nice day. Definitely recommended!!

Through our tour operator, we participated in the Whirinaki Forest Footsteps, a cultural Maori walk through part of the rainforest, followed by a picnic, a visit to ancient cave engravings, and a transfer from Rotorua. It was a wonderful experience, especially thanks to Destiny, the young Maori guide, who told us so much about the trees, plants, and animals that live there. Of course, "Harry," the bus driver, is also a wonderful person with an inimitable name. After a long bus ride, including a bathroom break, we arrived at the forest and first underwent a traditional Mihi Whakatau and Karakia before entering the forest. A process that made us feel like family and one with the forest. Halfway through the walk, we took a moment for reflection with a so-called "Forest Bathing," a moment of peace, listening to the forest, its sounds, and the birds. Following the forest walk, we enjoyed a delicious picnic with a refreshing Kawakawa tea. On the way back, we stopped at the Kaingaroa Rock Carvings and heard more Maori stories from Destiny. It was wonderful how she managed to connect the past and present. It was a truly heartwarming experience that left a lasting memory for us. If you're drawn to Maori culture and nature, this is a wonderful experience not to be missed!

If I could give it a higher score I would. Our guide (Harry) was amazing and helped us understand so much about the Māori culture. The rainforest walk was beautiful and so peaceful and informative.

Kiitti and Harry were fabulous. Very thoughtful and informative. Nice pace. A memorable time together in the forest.

Together with my partner we participated in the private walk + picnic through our tour operator. It was fantastic! The bus driver and uncle of the guide had a lot of humor. And no we still can't pronounce his name haha. He has also shared with us an enormous amount of knowledge that has been passed on from generation to generation by the Maori. Arriving at the forest, the guide gave us an introduction ritual to the forest. Then the beautiful walk started and the guide really taught us a lot about the plants, animals and Maori culture. It was great! We ended with a delicious picnic and we got kawakawa tea (hot and cold). A special drink from their culture. There was guitar playing and singing. And yes, we had to sing along too haha. It was a hugely heartwarming experience and very special. It feels good to get so close to nature. And uncle and cousin make a fantastic team together! Definitely do this tour!