Our story
Ko Ngāti Porou. Our story. Our maunga
The identity and strength of Ngāti Porou are enduring like Hikurangi
Maunga Hikurangi was cast up by Maui from the depths of the ocean.
It was the first point of Aotearoa to emerge and the resting place of Nukutaimemeha, Maui's waka.
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Our people
Although people of the tribe Ngāti Porou are a resolute and resilient iwi, we remain flexible and fluid like the iconic Waiapu River. The unique and inspiring stories of Ngāti Porou illustrate pragmatic leadership and innovation — empowering whānau to evolve and adapt, so that the diversity of our people and richness of our culture is maintained.
About Ngāti Porou Tours
In 2018, Ngāti Porou created Ngāti Porou Tours to allow more people to visit our sacred maunga. Ngāti Porou Tours is the only commercial operator with permission to provide guided tours of Maunga Hikurangi.
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The highest non-volcanic peak in the north island
Maunga Hikurangi rises to 1,752 m (5,748 ft) above the rural community of Ruatoria. It is the first place in the world to see the sunrise — and is believed to be the first part of Aotearoa to emerge from the sea when Maui fished up the North Island.
Our guides
Your guides are descendants of the tribe Ngāti Porou, whose connection to Maunga Hikurangi has been passed down through generations. They don't simply share facts about the maunga—they share the stories, history and traditions that come from belonging to this place.
Visitors leave having been welcomed into something far older and more layered than a landscape. That is the difference between information and knowledge passed down through generations by the people who belong to this place.
Operations Manager
Monty Manuel
Ko Papaka te maunga, ko Maraehara te awa, ko Ngai Tane, Te Whanau a Takimoana, Te Whanau a Tapuhi etahi o aku hapu. I tipu mai au i Rangitukia, a kei Ruatoria awau me toku whanau e noho ana. Ko Monty Manuel ahau.
For over 30 years, Monty has dedicated his expertise to our iwi organisation, Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou, across a variety of roles with the Nati Growth team. In his current role, he takes pride in sharing the rich culture and stories of our people, while welcoming visitors to our beautiful region of Te Tairāwhiti.
Tour Guide
Oriwa Atkins
Ko Pohautea te Maunga. Ko Takaa te awa. Ko Te Whanau-a-Pokai te hapū. Ko Ngāti Porou te iwi. Ko Oriwa Atkins ahau.
I am the new trainee Tour Guide for our Maunga Hikurangi Experience Tourism team. This marks my second year working for my iwi. I started at Radio Ngāti Porou in 2023, where I helped you kick off your mornings as the Breakfast Show host and kept you company during the 3-6 pm Rangatahi Drive Show.
What Our VISITORS
Say About Us
"Nothing prepares you for that silence at the summit. The most meaningful thing we did in New Zealand."
— Sarah M, United Kingdom
"Our guide brought the stories to life. We left feeling like we'd actually been welcomed, not just toured."
— David K, Auckland
"Worth every early alarm. The light hitting the clouds below the summit. I'll never forget it."
— Yuki T, Japan
Tiaki - our promise
At Maunga Hikurangi, Tiaki is more than just a word — it's our way of life. Tiaki means to care for, to protect, and to respect the land, the people, and the stories that shape Aotearoa.
When you journey with us to Maunga Hikurangi, you are stepping onto sacred ground. We invite you to join us in upholding the Tiaki Promise — to travel with care, to respect the environment, and to honour the rich heritage of this whenua. By embracing Tiaki, you become a kaitiaki of New Zealand, helping to preserve its natural beauty and cultural treasures for generations to come.
