Self Drive
Make your way to Ruatoria via a stunning coastal drive up along the iconic State Highway 35. Pass stunning beachside communities, epic surf and rural countryside with the vast Pacific Ocean hugging the pristine coastline.
Welcome to the first light at Maunga Hikurangi
Te Urunga-Tu Sunrise Experience is a unique and unforgettable experience to greet the dawn in the land of the first light.
Be the first in the world to welcome the new day in the land of the first light. Your journey to the top begins at the base of Maunga Hikurangi (Mount Hikurangi) in Ruatoria. Under the dark Southern skies and a blanket of brilliant stars, the Te Urunga-Tu Sunrise Experience is an adventure like no other.
Bundled up with helmets on, traverse the serene landscape by 4WD, cross fertile farmland and rural pastures until you reach the first point of mainland New Zealand to see the sunrise each day.
Te Urunga-Tu Sunrise Experience
Price from $299.00
Watch the world awaken surrounded by nine larger than life carved pou (pillars) that stand as sacred cultural treasures of the local Ngāti Porou people.
Listen and learn as your expert Ngāti Porou guide provides an in-depth and intimate story of each and every one of the carvings, who or what they represent and the significance they hold to the Maori culture.
With roots that can be traced back to the Māori creation story, to when Maui Tikitiki-a-Taranga slowed the sun, gifted us fire and fished Aotearoa from the sea. Come hear our history, explore our land and meet the descendants of Maui on Maunga Hikurangi.
Tour includes:
- Adventure to and from Maunga Hikurangi via 4WD vehicle
- Visit a sacred site of great Māori cultural significance
- Incredible photo ops at world-first sunrise
- Discover the history of the nine legendary Māori carvings
- Authentic tour with expert Ngāti Porou guide
- Participation in a karakia (traditional Maori blessing)
- Light snack atop Maunga Hikurangi
- Intimate tour with a maximum of five people
- Duration 5 hours (approx)
- Bookings essential
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Plan Your Trip
Accommodation
With an early start to catch that sunrise, stay with one of our local accommodation providers. Overnight on State Highway 35 and take some time to explore the hidden gems of Tairawhiti.
