More Māori Tourism experiences on board

Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau is fast becoming a go-to guide for discovering Māori tourism experiences in Auckland, with ten new offerings added as the collection continues to grow.

Showcasing the depth and diversity of Māori culture across the region, the online platform launched by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), connects visitors with authentic experiences that reflect the values of manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga – from cultural tours and art to food, performance and maritime journeys.

Helen Te Hira, Director of Māori Outcomes at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says the platform plays a vital role in ensuring Māori culture, businesses and leadership are central to the way Tāmaki Makaurau is experienced by visitors.

“Every business on this platform brings something unique – a sense of purpose, cultural depth and creative excellence. By continuing to curate and centre tangata whenua businesses on this site, we ensure that our communities and visitors to the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland region can experience something locally connected and meaningful.”

Among the new additions is Glorious Tours, co-founded by Ama Mosese, whose team leads visitors to Auckland Museum for the haka show amongst other attractions, as well as hosting Mana – spirit of the Pacific, an immersive dinner and dance show in Māngere.

Ama says that as tourists travel a long way to get to New Zealand, they want to experience something different that they haven’t done before when they get here.

“Most of our tourists have been all over the world to so many big cities. They want to learn something new, connect with different people and cultures. It’s a privilege to share our Māori and Polynesian culture with visitors,” Ama says. “They are so positive and excited about it. To feel that our culture is appreciated, that’s incredibly uplifting.”

Other new treasures include Unity Collection, a contemporary art gallery in Matakana Village, Timmy Smith, a creative studio on Waiheke Island, and Wolfgramm Holdings, that offers full-day cultural immersions on a traditional marae.

“Being included in Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau isn’t just a marketing opportunity, it’s a recognition of our role as kaitiaki,” says Breviss Wolfgramm, founder of Wolfgramm Holdings. “We are proud to welcome visitors into spaces where culture isn’t just performed, but lived and shared.”

All featured businesses are reviewed through a collaborative process that includes representatives from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, NZ Māori Tourism, Whāriki Māori Business Network and Auckland Council. The new additions include nine Māori owned businesses and one place of cultural connection, bringing the total number of featured experiences to 28, with intentions to grow further.

New Māori businesses:

• Timmy Smith – This charming studio on Waiheke Island offers bespoke jewellery and captivating pieces of art, each infused with story, intention and cultural meaning.
• Pause for Tea – Also owned by Timmy Smith, offering personalised tea experiences including tea tasting and blending. Their organic sparkling teas are making a name for themselves in North America and beyond.
• Unity Collection – Discover taonga curated with aroha at this contemporary Māori gallery in Matakana Village, showcasing high-quality design, fashion and art.
• Glorious Tours – Experience Auckland through local eyes with Māori-led journeys and dining events that celebrate culture, land and community with storytelling, warmth and deep cultural connection.
• Oystar Creative – A full service, boutique and creative event production company and entertainment agency that deliver powerful and emotive experiences, including Māori cultural experiences and performances from pōwhiri to entertainment.
• Kiko Tours – Guided tours offering intimate, bicultural journeys through Tāmaki Makaurau. Discover te ao Māori through storytelling, kai and kōrero, while exploring some of the region’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
• Te Manu Taupua – Powerful cultural experiences led by direct descendants of Auckland’s founding chief. Walk ancestral lands, hear sacred stories and witness Māori resilience from survivalism to thrivalism.
• Cruise New Zealand – Private luxury yacht charters from Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. Explore the Hauraki Gulf in style with personalised service, stunning views and unforgettable on-water experiences.
• Wolfgramm Holdings –Experience an immersive day at a traditional marae, guided by proud cultural hosts. Includes powhiri, haka, weaving, poi making and kai.

New place of cultural connection:

• Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki – Ngā Taonga Tūturu: Treasured Māori Portraits – An exhibition of Māori portraits by Gottfried Lindauer, displayed alongside whakairo carvings and historic works. A powerful tribute to tūpuna, identity and the enduring legacy of Māori culture.

Delivered by TAU on behalf of Auckland Council, Treasures of Tāmaki Makaurau enriches the region’s cultural and visitor economy with experiences that reflect te ao Māori. To view the full collection or register your experience, visit aucklandnz.com/treasures

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