For those keen on a cultural experience rich with all things history, people, stories, and nature, Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) should be top of the list.
Consider a quick trip across the ditch—where New Zealand’s largest city is alive with wairua (spirit) and mauri (life essence). To help you get planning on your cultural escape, we've rounded up our top Māori-owned treasures to add to the agenda.
Te Wharekura
Run by local iwi (Indigenous tribe), Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Wharekura means "house of learning", symbolising the shared goal of uniting minds and hearts. Positioned at the western end of Te Wānanga on Quay Street, this revitalised space offers Aucklanders and visitors an opportunity to connect with the area’s heritage and environmental creds.
Free of charge, expect diverse displays of traditional art as well as the sharing of immersive cultural stories that'll leave you and the whole fam engrossed.
Te Hana Te Ao Marama
Connect with Māori culture and customs in a meaningful and authentic way at leading Māori cultural centre Te Hana Te Ao Mārama. Set in serene, natural surroundings just an hour north of Auckland’s CBD, try the Ultimate Māori Culture Experience, beginning with a pōwhiri (traditional Māori welcome) and a guided tour through a replica village and fortified pā (fortified village). This experience includes a kapa haka performance and ends with a delicious hāngī meal. For a more immersive experience, try an overnight marae stay.
Tūāpae Vineyard
Known for its award-winning drops, clear waters, and nature-packed trails, Tūāpae Vineyard lies in the heart of Waiheke Island. A Māori-owned winery with deep connections to the surrounding land, this breathtaking property specialises in producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Merlot.
Open from Friday to Sunday, jump on a ferry after a morning of inner-city exploring and treat yourself to a sun-soaked arvo of sipping reds and soaking up an idyllic slice of Aotearoa island life.
Rerehua
No holiday is complete without taking home some local goodies, and Rerehua is a family-owned fashion and accessory business that needs to be on your radar. Known for crafting meaningful Māori taonga (treasures), its thoughtfully designed jewellery, clothes and accessories celebrate the indigenous heritage of Aotearoa.
Whether it’s a new necklace, a khaki bomber, or some of their must-have pounamu sunglasses, securing a special something from these legends will turn heads when you touch down back at home.
The All Blacks Experience
Immersing visitors in the history, culture, and people who made rugby such an important part of New Zealand’s story, the All Blacks Experience will make rugby fans fall even deeper for the sport and its deep roots in Kiwi culture.
The experience includes an interactive and immersive 45-minute guided tour and multiple hands-on interactive zones. Go behind the scenes with the players, practice your haka, test your knowledge of the game, and put your skills to the test against the best in the world. Finally, after shaking hands with one of the greats, be sure to secure yourself some official AB merch.
Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport
Need somewhere to rest your head after all that exploring? Now open, is Aotearoa’s only premium five-star airport hotel. Just a mere 100m walk from the airport’s terminal, from the moment you enter the lobby, you’ll feel a sense of connection to all things land, sea and sky and open a door to the history and story of Te Arikinui. More than just 311 beautiful rooms, this hotel also boasts the finest in locally sourced produce at its onsite top-floor restaurant, Te Kaahu. Offering spectacular views across the airport runway and out to the Manukau Heads, no matter where you are on your New Zealand journey, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport will ensure you are well equipped for any travel itinerary thanks to its provision of a premium and truly kiwiana stay. Now that’s living.
Ready for a getaway packed with cultural experiences? Find everything you need to build the most epic of itineraries with Discover Auckland.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Discover Auckland and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image: Auckland Unlimited, Urban List