Images and Video
Poihākena tours: stories of Māori in Sydney
Highlights
- Explore the cobblestone laneways of The Rocks, uncovering over 230 years of Māori history and culture.
- Hear captivating stories from a Māori guide, connecting you to the vibrant heritage of Māori in Sydney.
- Visit an archaeological dig-site and The Rocks Discovery Museum, immersing yourself in rich historical narratives.
- Engage with taonga and enjoy stunning harbour views, experiencing the essence of Māori culture firsthand.
Award-winning Poihākena tours are based in the Rocks where Māori have lived, loved, visited, traded, worked and died since 1793. One in five Māori now live in Australia and this unique tour (the only Māori tour in Australia) highlights the strong connections and rich Māori history, heritage and culture there.
On this two hour walking tour with a Māori guide you’ll hear intriguing stories spanning over 230 years: from visiting Māori chiefs, kidnappings, whalers, sailors and traders to the the vibrant Māori culture in Sydney today.
You’ll visit an archaeological dig-site and The Rocks Discovery Museum, explore the cobblestone laneways of The Rocks, enjoy stunning harbour views, walk down Māori Lane, get ‘hands-on’ with taonga (treasured objects) and hear waiata (Māori song). Hāngi lunch is available as an optional extra for groups and schools.
Poihākena tours: stories of Māori in Sydney is the 2015 Winner of the National Trust Heritage Award for Tours and Multimedia; 2018 Luxury Travel Guide Award Winner – Tour Operator of the Year (Sydney); 2018 Winner Interpretation Australia Award for Excellence; 2019 Travel and Hospitality Awards Winner – Best Local Experience NSW.
Tours can be booked for private groups and schools anytime.
Itinerary highlights
The Rocks Discovery Museum
See greenstone taonga (a treasured cultural object) found on a local archeological dig site, and now exhibited at the Museum.
Cumberland St Archeological Dig Site
Visit the archeological dig site and view the actual locations where greenstone taonga (treasured Māori cultural objects) have been revealed. Hear stories of Māori who visited or lived on the site, which includes the Whalers Arms Hotel – a popular meeting spot for Māori whalers, sailors and traders in the 1800’s.
Tour details
- On demand
Features
Service facilities
Sevice Activity
Disabled access available, contact operator for details.
Operation information
Kotahi Tourism
At Kotahi Tourism they’re passionate about Cultural Heritage and ‘manaakitanga’ – taking care of their visitors.
Award-winning ‘Poihākena tours: stories of Māori in Sydney’ are based in the Rocks where Māori have lived, loved, visited, traded, worked and died since 1793.
Be welcomed by your Māori Guide at the harbour’s edge and enjoy stunning harbour views.
Visit an archaeological dig site and The Rocks Discovery Museum.
See a Māori greenstone treasured object that was revealed on a dig site in The Rocks.
Explore hidden laneways and walk down Māori Lane.
Hear intriguing stories spanning over 230 years.
Be farewelled with waiata (Māori song).
One in five Māori now live in Australia and this unique tour (the only Māori tour in Australia!) highlights the strong connections and rich Māori history, heritage and culture in Sydney.
Accreditations
- National Trust
Memberships
- National Trust
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
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