Taiamai Tours Blog

From the Bay of Islands on Northlands east coast to Hokianga on the west coast, New Zealand’s largest indigenous tribe numbering upwards of 100.000 is made up of over 100 smaller independent Hapu (clans) who collectively constitute a tribal confederation now called Ngapuhi nui tonu.

In the late 18th century the eastern grouping of Hapu, in particular the Taiamai, Waimate and Bay of Islands Ngapuhi were the first hapu to establish trading links with the earliest European traders to these shores. They would also be instrumental in securing international recognition for all tribes of New Zealand by calling on all international communities to acknowledge the sovereignty and independence of these Islands and its indigenous peoples hence the Declaration of Independence on the 28th of October 1835.

CAN WE DO IT?

Yesterday we had our very first group of visually impaired customers aboard our Waka Voyage "TE HOENGA WAKA" All I can say is that they reckon the Waka voyage was the best experience they had while in New Zealand. The key message being the experience.

Yesterday we had a Tour group leader from one tour company who this year has 47 coach arrivals in the Bay of Islands during the summer season. After coming out and experiencing our Tourism experience he came to me when everyone else had departed and apologised to me. I stood there and looked at him in a rather quizical manner and asked why he was being apologetic and he said it was due to the fact that he had not done us and our TE HOENGA WAKA - HARURU FALLS maori cultural experience justice when offering up optional activities to their punters when coming into the Bay of Islands.