Maunga (Mt) Hikurangi - first to see the sun!
- Kesto: 8 Tunnit (noin)
- Paikka: Rotorua, Rotorua
45 mins flight time from Rotorua, is Maunga Hikurangi, the local Māori people (Ngati Porou) will tell you the famous explorer Maui’s canoe rests on the crest of this mountain.
According to Māori mythology, Maui fished up the North and South Island. The first in the southern hemisphere to see the sun of the new day, Hikurangi stands proud and evokes the mauri (life force) of past, current and future generations of Ngati Porou.
Your tour involves a flight to the remote East Coast area of the North Island. The Raukumara Ranges over which you fly has a large native bush canopy, steep valleys and rivers which stem from the headwaters of these landscapes. You will learn a local waiata (song) and see the magical and ornate carvings on Maunga Hikurangi. Upon arrival you will experience a guided tour up to Hikurangi on a 4 x 4 buggy. Traversing through farm land once the home of extensive native bush, the track will take you to ornate carvings which stand tall at the foot of this amazing vista.
It is said:
Hikurangi te maunga, Waiapu te awa, Ngati Porou te iwi
Hikurangi the mountain, Waiapu the river, Ngati Porou the iwi!
What to bring; warm jacket, hat and sun block, camera.
Departures are at 9am from Rotorua, subject to weather. For bookings within 24 hours call 0800 944 834.