Murihiku Māori tours

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Murihiku Māori Tours offers a boutique, mana whenua-led experience through the deep south — a journey shaped by generations of our whānau connection to this whenua. Guided by Keri Milne-Ihimaera and David Ihimaera, hear stories grounded in whakapapa, experience the warmth of southern hospitality, and gain a genuine understanding of Māori values through place, practice, and connection.

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for:

  • Travellers seeking authentic Māori experiences without tokenism.

  • Visitors valuing high-end, small-group journeys

  • Cultural explorers seeking depth and connection

THE TOUR

SIGNATURE MURIHIKU TOUR

Aerial view of a rugged coastline with green grassy areas, rocky cliffs, small ponds, and blue ocean waves under a partly cloudy sky.

(2.5 hours) 9.00 to 11.30 am

Travel through the landscapes of Murihiku, with a close-up focus on Bluff. You will experience a premium small-group tour guided by mana whenua. The guided portion of the experience is 2.5 hours, with the full tour taking 3 hours to include pick-up (8.30 am) and drop-off (12.00).

This journey is shaped by the whenua itself — the tides, winds, seasons and histories that have defined Awarua for generations. You’ll visit significant sites, learn about early Māori settlement and industry, hear stories of people and place, and experience Māori culture through karakia, connection and conversation rather than performance.

WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE

Traditional Maori carved wooden gateways at the entrance to a marae with a large meeting house in the background under a blue sky.

A guided journey across Bluff and wider Awarua

  • Coastal landscapes, harbour edges and community sites

  • Stories of history, ecology, migration, resilience and innovation

  • Seasonal whānau-prepared snack box and refreshments

  • A warm welcome and farewell shaped by Māori values

  • Karakia to open the journey

  • Manaakitanga and whakawhanaungatanga throughout

  • Whenua-based learning and cultural insights

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Scenic coastal view of a rocky beach with ocean water, grassy dunes in the foreground, and a residential neighborhood on a hillside in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

  • Luxury van transport

  • Hosting by Keri and David

  • Whānau-prepared snack box

  • Water

  • Pick-up/drop-off as arranged

Season:

  • Pilot season: January – April 2026

  • Two tours per week.

Group Size:

  • Maximum of 10 travellers for comfort and quality.

  • Minimum numbers apply.

why travel with us?

A traditional Maori wharenui with carved wooden structures in front of a red metal roof, set against a background of green trees and cloudy sky.
Two people, a woman on the left and a man on the right, sitting outdoors at a table. They have traditional Maori facial tattoos and wear black clothing with Maori jewelry, such as necklaces.
Aerial view of a building with solar panels, surrounded by trees and houses in the background, with text about authentic Māori values and cultural learning.
Scenic view of a large body of water with mountains in the distance, under a partly cloudy sky, and some green trees in the foreground.

our values

  • Manaakitanga (hospitality, generosity): We host with generosity, care, and genuine southern warmth

  • Whakapapa (genealogy, ancestral connections): Our stories and perspectives come from generations of connection to Awarua.

  • Indigenisation (living and leading as Māori in contemporary contexts): Our innovation is living and leading as Māori — naturally, confidently and without compromise.

  • Kaitiakitanga (guardianship, care for the environment): We honour our landscapes and take only what is appropriate to share.

  • Authenticity: We share real histories, real insights and real experiences. No costumes. No staged culture.

  • Whānau (family): This business is led, supported, and sustained by our whānau — together.