The paddle journey on the waka with Taiamai Tours was the highlight of my six weeks in New Zealand. I learned so much about the history of the area from the Maori perspective. I learned of the ways that they were able to sustain themselves without going shopping at the mall. Most of all, I learned something of the ceremonies... More

Unfortunately for us our cruise ship cancelled the port visit due to poor and worsening weather. As soon as I knew I phone Hone at Taimai Tours and explained the situation. He said no problems. he would arrange refunds. That hasn't happened - and I have emailed since arriving back home and have not even had the decency of a... More

I recently did the Taiamai tour in the Bay of Islands along with my blind adult son. It was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand. The background information that they gave us enhanced the continuation of our trip through NZ. Knowing the background of the Maoris helped us to understand how important it is for them and everyone... More

This was a really good adventure. I learned a lot about the Maorie s culture thanks to Hone and all the stories he said throughout the voyage. They taught us how to paddle in a Waka and some words in Maorie as well. I think that is the best way to discover the Maorie s culture, with people who are... More

I had a fantastic time learning how to 'paddle' a Waka, hearing about the history and legends of Maori tribes and experiencing the type of greeting early European settlers would have received. An experience that will stay with me for a long time. More

Try a canoe trip with excellent Maori guides who are lovely (as are all the people we met in New Zealand recently), the're informative tour around the beautiful Bay of Islands is great. You row with a group of around 12 people whilst hearing about Maori roots and culture. Great. More

We enjoyed everything about this trip. Hone amply conveyed his passion for the history and traditions of his people as we paddled and chanted our way up the Waitangi River whilst listening to his wonderful stories. We were honoured to visit his family Marae where we were formally greeted and challenged by his grandson, then welcomed into their meeting house.... More

Sunni was our tour guide, ably assisted by a fellow Maori warrior. There were just three of us on board (it was the beginning of the season), but this give us a very personalised tour. Despite the river being too low for a row upriver, we visited the Treaty grounds from the sea, where we had our personal guide, in... More

I signed on for a traditional paddle with Taiamai Tours, but bad weather curtailed our plans. Regardless, I was able to take part in a group presentation about the tour and met Hone, the owner and lead guide, who explained how he started the business and what the tour would normally include. He was delightful and spent a considerable amount... More