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.
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.
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:
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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.
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.
My husband and I have just done the early morning sunrise tour. It was a very special experience for us and we would highly recommend it to everyone.WendyG84
Whakatane, New Zealand
He gave us an informative and interesting talk about the carvings, and the history of Ngati Porou - both distant and recent. Everyone in the group was very impressed.8Hazel8
Auckland, New Zealand
At the site of the phenomenal carvings, Monty shared the stories of Ngati Porou - just fascinating. The picnic was delicious and elegantly presented. A most excellent adventure for visitors from far and near.Elisabeth E
Auckland, New Zealand
Meet Irawhaaki - Maui’s father. In other versions of the Maui stories he was also known as Makeatutara. It was Irawhaaki’s mistake in performing karakia upon Maui that was to render him mortal and lead to his ultimate demise at the hands of Hinenui-te-po, the goddess of the spiritual realm. Book your tour now to learn about the story of all nine carvings https://maungahikurangi.com/experiences/
Aside from the beautiful views and landscape, our tours also offer a taste of local cuisine and produce. Lunch for our Haramai Day tours include kumara salad, kangawaru (a sweetbread made from kumara, corn grit and flour), fruit and juice is a welcome bite after pushing to the top of our maunga! Book your tour today 🥪🌱https://maungahikurangi.com/experiences/
🌟 Meet the Grandmother of Maui, ‘Te Kauwae o Murirangawhenua`, whose magical jawbone features in many stories—from slowing the sun to fishing up the North Island (Te Ika a Maui). Don’t miss the chance to experience this rich heritage! Book your tour today to connect with our stories and breathtaking landscapes at www.maungahikurangi.com. 🌊🛶
Be one with Maui, his people, land sea & sky. Maui Tikitiki-a-Taranga the person who slowed down the sun, the person who brought us fire, the person who fished up Aotearoa from the sea, come hear his story, come see his lands, meet this people and feel his presence through his descendants, Ngati Porou.
Each of our nine breath-taking carvings has a unique story to tell, and each of those stories is an important piece in the overarching legend of Maui, a founding member of the Ngati Porou tribe. Here is Hine-rau-ma-ukuuku, a wife of Maui. Hinerau has the significant responsibility of welcoming all manuhiri (visitors) to our sacred maunga. Her warmth radiates even on a misty morning, as you climb to the top to greet the sun ☀
Happy New Year! While each and every sunrise is a magical moment we never get tired of, there’s something extra special about the first sunrise of the year, a sign of a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead 👐☀🌄
#tairawhitigisborne #maungahikurangi #mthikurangi #firstlight #gisborne #sunrise #aotearoa #newzealand #nzmustdo #happynewyear