Rediscovering NZ’s main cities: Four unforgettable cultural experiences
These cultural offerings inspire a deeper appreciation of Aotearoa while on staycation.
Aotearoa’s cities are brimming with hidden secrets, stories and experiences that give even born and bred New Zealanders a fresh perspective on the places they’ve grown up in and around. This summer, open your eyes and your mind to some of the enriching cultural experiences in our main cities, and gain a deeper understanding of the urban spaces we call home.
From spas and wellness to waka and walking tours - these travel experiences will encourage you to foster a deeper understanding of Māori culture in a fun and relevant way on your next staycation.
KAI AND CULTURE IN CHRISTCHURCH
The city of Ōtautahi Christchurch is constantly evolving. Thanks to its continuous regeneration, and the entrepreneurship and resilience of its locals, no visit to this city is ever the same.
One face of the city that’s always changing is its foodie scene, and there’s no better way to explore Christchurch than through its tasty bites! The team at Āmiki Tours take visitors on a dynamic tour through some of the lesser-known parts of the city to sample some of its best food and wine.
The kai is just one of the highlights of these tours, which ensure you leave feeling a part of the city and understanding more about its many facets, both past and present. Your local guide will share some of the stories about their ancestors and introduce you to some of the locals behind Christchurch’s up-and-coming and established eateries.
Choose from a city meander during the day, a night time progressive dinner or a bespoke tour combining storytelling, history and sightseeing. At the heart of each experience are the Māori principles of manaakitanga (hospitality) and whanaungatanga (connection), ensuring that you leave feeling a part of the whānau.
HE WAKA EKE NOA
The Māori proverb he waka eke noa roughly translates to “we are all in this canoe together” in other words: we’re all in this together. Never has this seemed more relevant than in these pandemic times where we rely on each other more than ever.
The waka has a fascinating history. Used byM āori to arrive in Aotearoa, perhaps less well-known is the fact that waka also played an important role in the early building of Ōtautahi Christchurch, helping to transport goods and people along the Avon River.
Today, you can learn about the significance of these important cultural symbols and their role in both Māori exploration and modern construction on a unique tour down the Avon River with Waka on Avon.
It’s a completely new way to experience Ōtautahi Christchurch’s unique 180 year history, and one that showcases the beauty of the city and surroundings, along with its history and culture. You’ll discover much about how Māori and European settlers worked together to build Christchurch and enjoy many stories of Canterbury’s Ngāi Tahu iwi.
A SANCTUARY TO NOURISH THE MIND AND SOUL
Tāmaki Makaurau is a cultural melting pot; a city that truly embraces the diversity of its inhabitants, those who immigrated to New Zealand and its Māori heritage. Just wandering its streets is a cultural experience.
For those who want that extra level of cultural immersion and are intrigued by Māori wisdom, Grey Lynn’s Aroha Love is a must-visit destination. Stepping into this unique space will help you cleanse and rejuvenate after what’s been a tough couple of years. It’s a sanctuary of tranquility hidden amongst the streets of New Zealand’s largest urban metropolis.
Founded in 2008 by therapist Rosanna Marks, this wellness centre is inspired by Māori culture. You can treat yourself to a unique and diverse combination of relaxing massage, yoga, dance, reiki, facial therapy, retreats, workshops, ceremonies and much more. You can take some
of your experience home with you, too, with the shop selling a range of beautiful Māori inspired candles and products you can use to bring some aroha into your own abode.
WELLINGTON’S CULTURAL CORNERS
Our capital city is well known for its cafe culture and craft beer. but it’s also a cultural hub filled with hidden corners and stories waiting to be revealed. On a Te Wharewaka o Pōneke cultural walking tour you’ll have the opportunity to discover the capital in a different way.
Discover hidden Māori treasures, including archeological remains at a pā site and the stories of the people who once lived there. Listen to myths about Wellington harbour, its connection to explorer Kupe and the design elements of some of the waterfront buildings.
Even if you’ve visited Wellington before, you’ll learn something new and gain a newfound appreciation for the modern and ancient sites around you.
For more inspiration around how to make the most of your summer, head to newzealand.com/nz.
Please travel safely and check covid19.govt.
nz for guidance on the Covid-19 Protection Framework (traffic light setting) in the region you’re travelling to.