Page 8 of New Zealand Island Discoveries Shore Tours by P&O Cruises
auckland maori guided walk of auckland approximate duration 3 hours auckland akl-k charming devonport village north shore approximate duration 4 hours akl-l notes this tour includes approximately three miles of walking the majority of which is downhill to make your day as enjoyable as possible please ensure that you wear comfortable flat-soled shoes clothing suited to the weather conditions a jacket and hat and bring along some sunscreen and bottled water for over 300 years auckland has been the ancestral home of the ngati whatua tribe of maori new zealand s indigenous race who first settled on these shores some 1,000 years ago from polynesia what better way of understanding both the maori culture and auckland s colourful history than by going on a guided walk of the city with a ngati whatua guide this walk will enlighten you on all cultural aspects of the ngati whatua people including their spiritual beliefs their medicines food and music what you visit mount eden the highest volcanic mountain in auckland at 196 metres here you will enjoy 360-degree views of the auckland isthmus and learn why the mountain meant so much to the ngati whatua people especially for defence purposes auckland domain the auckland domain is the city s oldest park and has been developed around the cone of an extinct volcano paths wind through native bush at its perimeter and your guide will point out many of new zealand s indigenous herbs teaching you about their historical medicinal and culinary purposes you will also enjoy a short demonstration of some traditional maori musical instruments waipapa marae leaving the domain you will visit waipapa marae maori village on auckland university s grounds waipapa is the landing place of the canoes on what is now beach road just opposite the railway station at waipapa marae you will visit a traditional carved meeting house designed by famous maori master carver pakariki harrison the primary ancestors of the house are the ancestor-gods with whom people of all tribes can identify around the walls are the captains and priest-navigators of the canoes that brought the ancestors of the different maori tribes to new zealand in the 14th century refreshments enjoy morning or afternoon tea consisting of pikelets and hot and cold drinks at the auckland domain what you see along the way you ll travel through the heart of auckland city passing major points of interest as your guide gives informative commentary downtown auckland s shopping and office complexes contrast with the restored victorian buildings of its suburbs devonport is a charming historic seaside village located on the northern shores of auckland city on today s tour you will stand on two volcanic cones see the charm of historic and architecturally beautiful devonport visit maori pa sites and notes the interesting network of tunnels and forts on north head all while enjoying to make your day unsurpassed views of the auckland region what you see and do auckland city begin your day with an introduction to auckland by coach travel through the viaduct basin former home to the america s cup sailing regatta before continuing past westhaven marina to the base of the harbour bridge lake pupuke a unique deep freshwater lake that was originally the main source of water supply for the north shore area the restoration of the lake s historic pumphouse began in 1977 and the building is now a centre for the performing and visual arts in the city devonport a unique maritime suburb and home of the new zealand navy it is often referred to as the sausilito of the pacific named so after the charming city of san francisco your guide will point out the colonial timber architecture and you will be given a chance to explore the streets of enchanting homes some built 150 years ago devonport is also well known for its two volcanic cones used by the original polynesian maori settlers as village sites and later by european settlers for both communication and defence you will visit the first volcanic cone north head which boasts expansive views of auckland and the outer harbour fortifications began on this site in 1875 and by 1889 tunnels and guns including the 8-inch disappearing gun were positioned the site was used over many years being readapted during world war ii when japan entered the conflict and is now maintained as a historic reserve by the department of conservation from north head you will travel to the summit of mount victoria the second volcanic peak named by maori as takurunga enjoy 360-degree views of auckland city and the outer harbour before travelling into the heart of the village to explore the many local galleries and cafes your trip includes a visit to devonport chocolates and a stop to view various works at the peter raos art gallery the new zealand born master glass artist s gallery at the end of the tour you have the option to immediately travel back to the ship by ferry or should you wish to remain in devonport to explore on your own your guide will provide you with a complimentary open-ended ferry ticket so that you may return at your leisure auckland as enjoyable as possible please ensure that you wear comfortable flat-soled shoes clothing suited to the weather conditions a hat and jacket and bring along some sunscreen and bottled water 12 auckland 13
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