A new partnership, specialising in adventure tourism on the Hauraki Gulf, has been developed during the pandemic in response to demand for people wanting authentic cultural experiences, greater access to nature, and holidaying closer to home.
Auckland iwi, NgaÃÑi Tai ki TaÃÑmaki, and leading tourism operator, Explore Group, have partnered to launch Tikapa Moana Whale and Dolphin Wildlife Cruise and Explore Motutapu on Saturday, December 4, following Auckland’s move to the traffic light system.
As well as supporting local demand, the new experiences are focussed on continuing to grow the tourism industry ahead of international visitors returning in the future.
NgaÃÑi Tai deputy chair, Billy Brown, says while New Zealand’s reliance on overseas travellers makes it a challenging time for tourism, the partnership with Explore is an opportunity to invest in Auckland’s tourism market.
“There is strong domestic demand currently with people wanting to learn more about the history of Aotearoa and its stories, as well as more people than ever before exploring their own back yard and supporting local businesses.”
Billy says the new experiences provide an opportunity for people to view numerous species of whales and dolphins right on Auckland’s doorstep.
“It’s not widely known that TaÃÑmaki Makaurau has significant resident populations of both whale and dolphins along with many different migratory species visiting throughout the year that are accessible so close to the city.
“When overseas tourists return in the future it’s also key to have experiences in place that showcase our stories and highlight the importance of ocean conservation and the protection of our fisheries.”
NgaÃÑi Tai are the original inhabitants and Iwi of TaÃÑmaki Makaurau. The Iwi, based in Maraetai, the WaitemataÃÑ and Tikapa Moana (the Hauraki Gulf), exercise mana whenua and mana moana interests across Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.
“These are our sacred islands and waters. This is not just a commercial venture, it is about where we came from, our relationship with the whenua and moana, and investing in the future of our mokopuna. It is about us delivering on our manaakitanga responsibilities to all Aucklanders,” says Billy.
Tikapa Moana is a 4.5-hour cruise that gives people a chance to experience a diverse range of marine life, including whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and birdlife on the Hauraki Gulf, and learn the stories and history of the rohe from NgaÃÑi Tai ki Tamaki guides.
The Motutapu experience enables tourists and sightseers to visit or camp overnight and explore the island on foot or e-bike.
“These experiences are for all Aucklanders and all New Zealanders because they are their islands and their ocean.
“With this taonga, and the many untold stories, there is huge interest from Aucklanders in a new and authentic tourism product. Demand will also be driven by the many events planned in TaÃÑmaki over the next 12 months and beyond,” Billy says.
The launch of the Hauraki Gulf experiences are the next stage of Explore Group’s expansion following its purchase of Fullers Great Sights operation in the Bay of Islands in July.
William Goodfellow, Explore Managing Director, said despite the uncertainty COVID brings the company sees it as an opportunity to grow and invest in valuable and exciting new tourism experiences on the Hauraki Gulf.
“Telling peoples’ stories is one of the most compelling things a tourism product can offer and partnering with NgaÃÑi Tai allows us to do this in an uplifting and genuine way, while also showcasing the wildlife and beauty of Tikapa Moana – Te Moananui a Toitehuatahi.
“Merging Explore’s capacity and experience with NgaÃÑi Tai’s passion and flair for story telling will result in experiences that can be enjoyed by all New Zealanders and ultimately international visitors as we look to 2022 and beyond.”
Tikapa Moana Whale and Dolphin Wildlife Cruise and Explore Motutapu will operate from the Viaduct Harbour once a day on Tuesday, Thursday and weekends, with daily services during school holidays and on public holidays.
