Ex-All Black’s Ngāi Tahu heritage calls him south
Former All Black Ian Jones (Ngāi
Tahu) hopes a four-day trek in the Hollyford Valley will help him reconnect with the whenua (land) of his tīpuna (ancestors) and he’d like you to join him.
Jones has partnered with Ngāi Tahu Tourism and the Hollyford Wilderness Experience to offer Adventure with an
All Black – touted as a chance to join Jones, who played 79 tests for the All Blacks, on a cultural experience.
It’ll be a luxury four-day and threenight experience from April 16 to
19, and for an adult will cost almost $4000. From luxury lodge stays with private ensuites to three-course dinners, a jet boat ride and a helicopter flight over the Milford Sound, this experience sees much of the hard work taken care of.
Hollyford Wilderness Experience general manager Adam Dooney said Hollyford is a “cultural experience” rich with Māori history.
“Without wanting to overuse the word, it really is luxurious, the trip has a brilliant flow, with each step along the way opening another chapter of the valley’s story.”
Jones said it had only been later in life, and with the help of his kids, that he started learning about his culture, something that was not encouraged when he was a kid.
“I’m from Ngāi Tahu heritage, through my mother’s side. [I] grew up in a generation not really connected and engaged.”
He said his children, especially the boys, have been an inspiration to get back into his heritage and learn te reo.
Jones had always wanted to better himself and understand his iwi. The most “amazing” part of his journey so far had been learning the language.
When the opportunity came to do the Hollyford trek, which was an important food gathering and canoe building site for Ngāi Tahu, Jones saw it as another way to carry on his journey of reconnection with and understanding of where he comes from. “I think just spending time around the Ngāi Tahu site, just hearing, connecting, being around your heritage, your whakapapa will actually give me quite a nice spiritual feeling as well.”
He hoped that those who would like to join him on this journey, can also find connection and share their own journey along the way.
There could also be the chance to have some rugby chat with Jones, something he said he’d be keen on.
A percentage of the ticket price goes directly back to the Hollyford Conversation Trust, which works to protect and enhance the flora and fauna in the valley.