Highlights
- Explore Wellington's history and culture on a guided tour of Te Whanganui-a-Tara
- Learn about the origins of the harbour through pūrākau: Māori oral histories
- Discover the dramatic natural events that transformed the landscape
- Hear about key figures who shaped the capital of Aotearoa
- See taonga and artworks that bring Wellington’s history to life
Description
Meet your guide at the Wellington Museum and begin your tour with a warm welcome and karakia. Connect with the people, histories, and cultures of Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Journey through time as you explore the origins of the region, from the great Pacific explorer Kupe and the ancestral stories of Tara to the dramatic formation of the harbor itself through both pūrākau and seismic events.
Learn how the landscape has been shaped over centuries, from the powerful earthquakes that reshaped the coastline to the extensive land reclamation that built modern Wellington.
Along the way, encounter stories of influential figures including Te Rangi Tōpeora, Kate Sheppard, and Georgina Beyer, whose contributions have helped define Aotearoa.
Engage with taonga and artworks that reflect these stories, including whakairo and tukutuku rich with symbolism, and gain insight into Māori knowledge systems and navigation traditions.
Hear about the natural environment, including the little blue penguin (kororā) and ongoing conservation efforts in the harbour.
Includes
Guided tour of Wellington Museum
Stories of influential figures in Wellington's history
Māori oral histories and pūrākau
Viewing of taonga and artworks
Insight into local wildlife and conservation
Important Information
- The tour begins with a warm welcome and karakia
The tour duration is 45 minutes
Meeting point is at Wellington Museum, Ground Floor, 3 Jervois Quay, Wellington Central, 6011
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
