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Explore the Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane rainforest on a guided tour from Rotorua. Learn about the forest's history, discover medicinal plants, and relax at Wai Ariki Spa.

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the beauty of Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane rainforest
• Learn about the forest's history and its significance to the Maori people
• Discover the medicinal plants of the Rongoa trail and their many uses
• Enjoy a packed picnic lunch and hot Kawakawa tea in the forest
• Relax at Wai Ariki Spa with a geothermal spa, steam room, and more

Description

Begin your day with a pickup from Wai Ariki Spa in Rotorua. Head to Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane with guided commentary along the way. Arrive in Murupara and meet your forest guides, who will provide a welcome into Ngati Manawa Tribal lands. Continue to the rainforest, listening to stories as you go. Arrive at Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane and receive a traditional welcome into the ngahere (forest) with a mihi whakatau and karakia. Begin your cultural guided walking journey, meeting the Rakau Rangatira (chiefly trees) and following the Rongoa trail (Medicine plant trail). Learn to identify medicinal plants and discover their many uses. Hear, and hopefully see, native and endangered birds in their natural habitat. Learn about the history of Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane and how Maori revered the forest for its beauty, spiritual presence, and bountiful supply of food, medicine, building, and weaving materials. Learn whakatauki (proverbs) and experience Forest Bathing – the art of connecting to the natural healing vibrations of the forest through a meditative state, that includes traditional wind instruments, karakia, and ancient chant. Conclude your tour with a packed picnic lunch and hot Kawakawa tea, enjoying a time of reflection with your guide. Depart Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane for Rotorua, stopping at Te Ana a Tokowaru to see hidden Maori Rock carvings carbon dated 400 years before the Great Migration. Return to Wai Ariki Spa and begin your Restorative Spa Journey, which includes a waterfall experience, hot geothermal spa, steam room, geothermal muds, and more. Spend a day of immersive, traditional cultural healing and wellbeing, set amongst the natural wonders of the world.

Includes

Guided commentary en route Welcome in to Ngati Manawa Tribal lands Cultural guided walking journey Rongoa trail History of Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane Forest Bathing experience Packed picnic lunch Hot Kawakawa tea Restorative Spa Journey

Important Information

• The tour involves walking in a forest environment, so appropriate footwear and clothing are recommended. The spa experience includes geothermal muds and waters, so bring swimwear if desired.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund