Unforgettable experiences and sacred sites
There are three ways to experience the Maunga Hikurangi Tours. Every tour is guided by Ngāti Porou locals who know this maunga the way a person knows their own genealogy. Small groups, real stories, no scripts.
Te Urunga-Tu
The Sunrise Experience
Witness the world's first sunrise from the summit. A 4WD journey before dawn, arriving at the carvings as the light breaks across the Pacific. Karakia, (Maori Prayer) carvings, and a light breakfast at the top of the North Island's highest non-volcanic peak.
5 hrs. | Max 7 | Age 5+
$299 NZD per person
Haramai
The Day Experience
Venture off the beaten track by Can-Am through spectacular backcountry to the Hikurangi carvings. Stand among the nine carved sculptures, hear the stories they represent, enjoy panoramic views from 1,754 metres, and share a light lunch.
4 hrs. | Max 7 | Age 5+
$269 NZD per person
Our guides
Your guides are Ngāti Porou, this isn't a job they took on, it's a role that comes from whakapapa.
Guests don't leave having ticked off a viewpoint, they leave having been welcomed into something far older and more layered than a landscape. That's the difference between information and knowledge passed down through generations by the people it belongs to.
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.
Accommodation
Maunga Hikurangi Tours is developing a bespoke accommodation option for the overnight manuhiri. More information will be available Summer 2027.
In the meantime please visit our Plan your visit page for accomodation options throughout the East Coast up and down Highway 35.
Maunga Hikurangi is located near Ruatoria in Te Tairāwhiti, approximately 130km north of Gisborne on State Highway 35 (the East Cape Highway).
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From Gisborne: approx. 1.5 hrs via SH35
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From Auckland: approx. 7-8 hrs via Gisborne or Ōpōtiki
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Free parking available at the base of the mountain
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Book early — group sizes are strictly limited
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Check the weather forecast 10 days before your tour
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Dress in layers — summit conditions can change quickly
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Bring water, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat
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Helmet is provided
HOW TO GET TO MAUNGA HIKURANGI
2026 Season