https://www.gourmetjourneys.co.nz/blog daily 0.75 2017-12-28 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/t/586e4b40be659461a743e4da/1483623306778/New+for+BLOG+page.jpg Blog https://www.gourmetjourneys.co.nz/blog/2016/9/8/some-things-in-life-are-givens monthly 0.5 2016-09-08 https://www.gourmetjourneys.co.nz/blog/2016/9/8/lonely-planets-new-wine-trails-book monthly 0.5 2016-09-12 https://www.gourmetjourneys.co.nz/blog/2016/10/3/13-day-premium-south-island-small-group-tour-16-28-february-2017 monthly 0.5 2016-10-04 https://www.gourmetjourneys.co.nz/blog/2017/5/15/the-new-zealand-wine-story monthly 0.5 2017-05-15 https://www.gourmetjourneys.co.nz/blog/https/youtube/v9xtyiysbgm monthly 0.5 2017-06-01 https://www.gourmetjourneys.co.nz/blog/2017/12/28/inaugural-top-100-new-zealand-wines-of-2017-james-suckling monthly 0.5 2017-12-28 https://www.gourmetjourneys.co.nz/about-us-overview daily 0.75 2018-01-19 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/t/57be5f0ef7e0aba99d250249/1472094026772/ About Us https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/t/57c539c5440243c931285fb7/1472543206456/test2.jpg About Us https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/t/57c3bafd20099e1e8b3c0e68/1472445187485/L514-Mount-Cook-National-Park-Canterbury-David-Swanson+copy.jpg About Us https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/t/57c3bb61579fb31c1f9d8734/1472445292999/bigstock-Paua-Abalone-Shell-Closeup-40706701.jpg About Us https://www.gourmetjourneys.co.nz/food-and-wine-small-group-tours daily 0.75 2017-03-29 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b53dbdf7e0ab8ef2ef7d60/57c3c07f2994ca2851713323/1490825427124/Raetihi-Lodge-Bar-Guest-Lounge+copy.jpg Food And Wine Small Group Tours - Food And Wine Small Group Tours Small Group Travel with Gourmet Journeys is very certainly NOT your usual group experience. Typically, our guests prefer a more authentic experience to connect and gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand (or AOTEAROA as the indigenous Maori call their home), its cuisine and culture. We visit local farmers markets, enjoy gourmet inspired excursions and as importantly, clients will be travelling with a group of people who share very similar interests - immediately giving the group something in common along with other new and exciting perspectives to explore. We have found that ideally a group's dynamic works best when capped to between 14 - 20 participants. We believe that a smaller group also offers a more relaxed travelling and dining experience and gives our guests a better opportunity to get to know each other and to get a more authentic feel for the various regions, local food, wines and the passionate (and at times very colourful!) local Kiwi characters. The smaller size also affords us the added flexibility to vary from the itinerary occasionally, to wander down a back road to explore what's around the next corner - which is how we discovered the best fruit salad ice cream on the planet and made new friends at a traditional marae near Akaroa. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b53dbdf7e0ab8ef2ef7d60/57c9420e03596eee285187f5/1490825440444/2.5+copy.jpg Food And Wine Small Group Tours - Food And Wine Small Group Tours Small Group Travel with Gourmet Journeys is very certainly NOT your usual group experience. Typically, our guests prefer a more authentic experience to connect and gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand (or AOTEAROA as the indigenous Maori call their home), its cuisine and culture. We visit local farmers markets, enjoy gourmet inspired excursions and as importantly, clients will be travelling with a group of people who share very similar interests - immediately giving the group something in common along with other new and exciting perspectives to explore. We have found that ideally a group's dynamic works best when capped to between 14 - 20 participants. We believe that a smaller group also offers a more relaxed travelling and dining experience and gives our guests a better opportunity to get to know each other and to get a more authentic feel for the various regions, local food, wines and the passionate (and at times very colourful!) local Kiwi characters. The smaller size also affords us the added flexibility to vary from the itinerary occasionally, to wander down a back road to explore what's around the next corner - which is how we discovered the best fruit salad ice cream on the planet and made new friends at a traditional marae near Akaroa. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b53dbdf7e0ab8ef2ef7d60/57c9421303596eee28518833/1490825378389/3.5+copy.jpg Food And Wine Small Group Tours - Food And Wine Small Group Tours Small Group Travel with Gourmet Journeys is very certainly NOT your usual group experience. Typically, our guests prefer a more authentic experience to connect and gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand (or AOTEAROA as the indigenous Maori call their home), its cuisine and culture. We visit local farmers markets, enjoy gourmet inspired excursions and as importantly, clients will be travelling with a group of people who share very similar interests - immediately giving the group something in common along with other new and exciting perspectives to explore. We have found that ideally a group's dynamic works best when capped to between 14 - 20 participants. We believe that a smaller group also offers a more relaxed travelling and dining experience and gives our guests a better opportunity to get to know each other and to get a more authentic feel for the various regions, local food, wines and the passionate (and at times very colourful!) local Kiwi characters. The smaller size also affords us the added flexibility to vary from the itinerary occasionally, to wander down a back road to explore what's around the next corner - which is how we discovered the best fruit salad ice cream on the planet and made new friends at a traditional marae near Akaroa. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b53dbdf7e0ab8ef2ef7d60/57c9421603596eee2851884d/1490825394458/4.5.jpg Food And Wine Small Group Tours - Food And Wine Small Group Tours Small Group Travel with Gourmet Journeys is very certainly NOT your usual group experience. Typically, our guests prefer a more authentic experience to connect and gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand (or AOTEAROA as the indigenous Maori call their home), its cuisine and culture. We visit local farmers markets, enjoy gourmet inspired excursions and as importantly, clients will be travelling with a group of people who share very similar interests - immediately giving the group something in common along with other new and exciting perspectives to explore. We have found that ideally a group's dynamic works best when capped to between 14 - 20 participants. We believe that a smaller group also offers a more relaxed travelling and dining experience and gives our guests a better opportunity to get to know each other and to get a more authentic feel for the various regions, local food, wines and the passionate (and at times very colourful!) local Kiwi characters. The smaller size also affords us the added flexibility to vary from the itinerary occasionally, to wander down a back road to explore what's around the next corner - which is how we discovered the best fruit salad ice cream on the planet and made new friends at a traditional marae near Akaroa. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b53dbdf7e0ab8ef2ef7d60/57c9421803596eee28518851/1490825408186/5.5.jpg Food And Wine Small Group Tours - Food And Wine Small Group Tours Small Group Travel with Gourmet Journeys is very certainly NOT your usual group experience. Typically, our guests prefer a more authentic experience to connect and gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand (or AOTEAROA as the indigenous Maori call their home), its cuisine and culture. We visit local farmers markets, enjoy gourmet inspired excursions and as importantly, clients will be travelling with a group of people who share very similar interests - immediately giving the group something in common along with other new and exciting perspectives to explore. We have found that ideally a group's dynamic works best when capped to between 14 - 20 participants. We believe that a smaller group also offers a more relaxed travelling and dining experience and gives our guests a better opportunity to get to know each other and to get a more authentic feel for the various regions, local food, wines and the passionate (and at times very colourful!) local Kiwi characters. The smaller size also affords us the added flexibility to vary from the itinerary occasionally, to wander down a back road to explore what's around the next corner - which is how we discovered the best fruit salad ice cream on the planet and made new friends at a traditional marae near Akaroa. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/t/57c3c322b3db2b6d3610a2c4/1472447269252/Page%2B3%2Blanding%2Bpage%2Bimage.png Food And Wine Small Group Tours https://www.gourmetjourneys.co.nz/travel-industry-special-interests daily 0.75 2017-08-01 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b53dcd893fc0995a3336d3/57ccfb479f7456813a2a5c0e/1501588299416/3312-Miles-Holden-Milford-Sound-Fiordland.jpg Travel Industry Partners + Special Group Coordinators - Travel Industry Partners + Special Group Coordinators Our mission is to share our passion, local knowledge and incredible ground contacts when coordinating the land content for your special interest group or F.I.T. arrangements. All Gourmet Journeys staff responsible for the coordination and design of arrangements are fully accredited Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure program specialists - offering you complete confidence that we know our very majestic and flavoursome wee corner of the world - from the inside out! We can assist you to create truly memorable arrangements by working as your partner or if you prefer, completely in the background. The scope of Our Creative Menu is completely flexible and certainly not limited to our glorious food and wine itineraries - we frequently design and coordinate arrangements with a particular area of special interest including; golf, fishing (fly, river, ocean), significant gardens and architecture, art and culture or any one of the 100's of other remarkable experiences NZ is world famous for. In today's volatile business environment it is important to partner with a company that is reputable and financially secure. Our partnership with the respected ANZCRO team ensures that we are accessing the best available rates for your ground arrangements. As importantly they are members of ATAS (member 09981; accreditation number A11024); CATO (member T01077), ATEC + IATA. To commence a conversation with us, please follow this link to the Enquiry Form and remember, there is no such thing as too much information. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b53dcd893fc0995a3336d3/57ccfb4b9f7456813a2a5c15/1501588327935/3038-Kinloch-Taupo-Miles-Holden.jpg Travel Industry Partners + Special Group Coordinators - Travel Industry Partners + Special Group Coordinators Our mission is to share our passion, local knowledge and incredible ground contacts when coordinating the land content for your special interest group or F.I.T. arrangements. All Gourmet Journeys staff responsible for the coordination and design of arrangements are fully accredited Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure program specialists - offering you complete confidence that we know our very majestic and flavoursome wee corner of the world - from the inside out! We can assist you to create truly memorable arrangements by working as your partner or if you prefer, completely in the background. The scope of Our Creative Menu is completely flexible and certainly not limited to our glorious food and wine itineraries - we frequently design and coordinate arrangements with a particular area of special interest including; golf, fishing (fly, river, ocean), significant gardens and architecture, art and culture or any one of the 100's of other remarkable experiences NZ is world famous for. In today's volatile business environment it is important to partner with a company that is reputable and financially secure. Our partnership with the respected ANZCRO team ensures that we are accessing the best available rates for your ground arrangements. As importantly they are members of ATAS (member 09981; accreditation number A11024); CATO (member T01077), ATEC + IATA. To commence a conversation with us, please follow this link to the Enquiry Form and remember, there is no such thing as too much information. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b53dcd893fc0995a3336d3/57ccfb4e9f7456813a2a5c32/1501588350583/AF24-Spring-Creek-West-Coast-David-Lambroughton.jpg Travel Industry Partners + Special Group Coordinators - Travel Industry Partners + Special Group Coordinators Our mission is to share our passion, local knowledge and incredible ground contacts when coordinating the land content for your special interest group or F.I.T. arrangements. All Gourmet Journeys staff responsible for the coordination and design of arrangements are fully accredited Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure program specialists - offering you complete confidence that we know our very majestic and flavoursome wee corner of the world - from the inside out! We can assist you to create truly memorable arrangements by working as your partner or if you prefer, completely in the background. The scope of Our Creative Menu is completely flexible and certainly not limited to our glorious food and wine itineraries - we frequently design and coordinate arrangements with a particular area of special interest including; golf, fishing (fly, river, ocean), significant gardens and architecture, art and culture or any one of the 100's of other remarkable experiences NZ is world famous for. In today's volatile business environment it is important to partner with a company that is reputable and financially secure. Our partnership with the respected ANZCRO team ensures that we are accessing the best available rates for your ground arrangements. As importantly they are members of ATAS (member 09981; accreditation number A11024); CATO (member T01077), ATEC + IATA. To commence a conversation with us, please follow this link to the Enquiry Form and remember, there is no such thing as too much information. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b53dcd893fc0995a3336d3/57ccfb519f7456813a2a5c55/1501588369386/_DSC0398.jpg Travel Industry Partners + Special Group Coordinators - Travel Industry Partners + Special Group Coordinators Our mission is to share our passion, local knowledge and incredible ground contacts when coordinating the land content for your special interest group or F.I.T. arrangements. All Gourmet Journeys staff responsible for the coordination and design of arrangements are fully accredited Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure program specialists - offering you complete confidence that we know our very majestic and flavoursome wee corner of the world - from the inside out! We can assist you to create truly memorable arrangements by working as your partner or if you prefer, completely in the background. The scope of Our Creative Menu is completely flexible and certainly not limited to our glorious food and wine itineraries - we frequently design and coordinate arrangements with a particular area of special interest including; golf, fishing (fly, river, ocean), significant gardens and architecture, art and culture or any one of the 100's of other remarkable experiences NZ is world famous for. In today's volatile business environment it is important to partner with a company that is reputable and financially secure. Our partnership with the respected ANZCRO team ensures that we are accessing the best available rates for your ground arrangements. As importantly they are members of ATAS (member 09981; accreditation number A11024); CATO (member T01077), ATEC + IATA. To commence a conversation with us, please follow this link to the Enquiry Form and remember, there is no such thing as too much information. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/t/57ce54552e69cf21022eb0cb/1473139799417/New+image+for+Thumbnail+for+White+Labelling+Travel+Industry+etc.jpg Travel Industry Partners + Special Group Coordinators https://www.gourmetjourneys.co.nz/unique-maori-cultural-experiences daily 0.75 2017-02-07 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b54765ff7c506aed6dfbd8/57b54938197aeacc2ceecb01/1472692102062/bigstock-Traditional-Maori-Carving-30545528.jpg Unique Maori Cultural Experiences - Unique Maori Cultural Experiences Another core belief at Gourmet Journeys, is that the wairua or spirituality of the Māori culture, overlays every part of the New Zealand tourism experience. Māori have a rich, unique and dynamic culture, with a special affinity for the natural environment - the forests, the sea, rivers, lakes, mountains, astronomy and through their whakapapa, trace family genealogy back to the arrival in New Zealand of one of the seven waka (Tainui, Te Arawa, Matatua, Kurahaupo, Tokomaru, Aotea and Takitimu) which were sailed by ancestors across the vast Pacific Ocean. Māori participation in the tourism sector is important to many community's long-term success and sustainability - creating employment for their young people but as importantly, preserving the knowledge and culture into the future. Long before there was so much talk of sustainability and giving back, we were incorporating local Māori businesses into our arrangements - simply because we recognised that any visit to Aotearoa was not complete without some form of direct interaction with their culture. And we don't mean sitting passively, observing a kapa haka cultural performance in a hotel - we mean authentic interactions and experiences, forming memories which will last long in to the future. It is an honour to be invited on to a Marae, to be welcomed as a friendly visitor, and to then potentially assist (only if YOU wish to and are comfortable doing so) with the preparation of the hangi meal - prepare yourself, you have never seen SO much kai/food…And then, hours later, to raise the hangi from its steaming earth oven and enjoy the fruits of your labors with new found friends. Over the years, we have been very fortunate in cultivating rich friendships with many key Maori guides, storytellers and Kaumatua at several traditional Marae's and the thoroughly fascinating living Maori villages of Whakarewarewa and Ohinimutu who are prepared to host us. And when in Hawkes Bay, Uncle Robert, one of our favourite elders is always happy to weave his knowledge into an interesting story as we wander through the bush near his home, sometimes talking about traditional and therapeutic uses of the various plants, or foraging for pipi or kina … and there is always a cuppa waiting for us as we return to his home. Perhaps being hosted at a private dinner in a local Maori family's home in Rotorua is more your style. Our local Maori guides ensure that all traditional protocols are followed during these various visits, which has proven ideal for all involved. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b54765ff7c506aed6dfbd8/57b54941f7e0ab8ef2efbedb/1486435918859/1.3+copy.jpg Unique Maori Cultural Experiences - Unique Maori Cultural Experiences At Gourmet Journeys we believe the wairua or spirituality of the Māori culture overlays every part of the New Zealand tourism experience. Māori have a rich and unique culture, with a special affinity for the natural environment - the forests, the sea, rivers, lakes, mountains and astronomy. Māori participation in the tourism sector is important. It contributes directly to the long-term success and sustainability of many local communities, creating employment but as importantly, preserving the knowledge and culture into the future. We incorporate local Māori tourism suppliers and guides into our arrangements wherever possible recognising that any visit to Aotearoa is incomplete without some form of authentic cultural interaction. It is a privilege to be welcomed on to a traditional Marae. To assist with the preparation of the hangi meal and to then hours later, join in to raise this from its steaming earth oven before enjoying the fruits of your labors with new found friends. Over the years, we have been very fortunate forging rich friendships with many key Māori guides, storytellers and Kaumatua (elders) at traditional Marae scattered across Aotearoa. We also have strong links with two fascinating living Maori villages, Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu in Rotorua + a home-hosted dining experience with a local Māori family - which is also Rotorua based. When in Hawkes Bay, Uncle Robert and Aunty Adele are always happy to weave their knowledge into a story as we wander through the native bush overlooking the ocean - sometimes talking about the traditional and therapeutic uses of the various plants or foraging for kai. Our local Māori guides ensure that all traditional protocols are followed during these precious visits - which has proven ideal. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b54765ff7c506aed6dfbd8/57c77f3fe6f2e1eaa6e61395/1486435896437/Maori+Landing+page+main+image+1.5+copy.jpg Unique Maori Cultural Experiences - Unique Maori Cultural Experiences At Gourmet Journeys we believe the wairua or spirituality of the Māori culture overlays every part of the New Zealand tourism experience. Māori have a rich and unique culture, with a special affinity for the natural environment - the forests, the sea, rivers, lakes, mountains and astronomy. Māori participation in the tourism sector is important. It contributes directly to the long-term success and sustainability of many local communities, creating employment but as importantly, preserving the knowledge and culture into the future. We incorporate local Māori tourism suppliers and guides into our arrangements wherever possible recognising that any visit to Aotearoa is incomplete without some form of authentic cultural interaction. It is a privilege to be welcomed on to a traditional Marae. To assist with the preparation of the hangi meal and to then hours later, join in to raise this from its steaming earth oven before enjoying the fruits of your labors with new found friends. Over the years, we have been very fortunate forging rich friendships with many key Māori guides, storytellers and Kaumatua (elders) at traditional Marae scattered across Aotearoa. We also have strong links with two fascinating living Maori villages, Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu in Rotorua + a home-hosted dining experience with a local Māori family - which is also Rotorua based. When in Hawkes Bay, Uncle Robert and Aunty Adele are always happy to weave their knowledge into a story as we wander through the native bush overlooking the ocean - sometimes talking about the traditional and therapeutic uses of the various plants or foraging for kai. Our local Māori guides ensure that all traditional protocols are followed during these precious visits - which has proven ideal. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b54765ff7c506aed6dfbd8/57c781766b8f5bbd102fa86a/1486435928945/slide+4.5+copy.jpg Unique Maori Cultural Experiences - Unique Maori Cultural Experiences At Gourmet Journeys we believe the wairua or spirituality of the Māori culture overlays every part of the New Zealand tourism experience. Māori have a rich and unique culture, with a special affinity for the natural environment - the forests, the sea, rivers, lakes, mountains and astronomy. Māori participation in the tourism sector is important. It contributes directly to the long-term success and sustainability of many local communities, creating employment but as importantly, preserving the knowledge and culture into the future. We incorporate local Māori tourism suppliers and guides into our arrangements wherever possible recognising that any visit to Aotearoa is incomplete without some form of authentic cultural interaction. It is a privilege to be welcomed on to a traditional Marae. To assist with the preparation of the hangi meal and to then hours later, join in to raise this from its steaming earth oven before enjoying the fruits of your labors with new found friends. Over the years, we have been very fortunate forging rich friendships with many key Māori guides, storytellers and Kaumatua (elders) at traditional Marae scattered across Aotearoa. We also have strong links with two fascinating living Maori villages, Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu in Rotorua + a home-hosted dining experience with a local Māori family - which is also Rotorua based. When in Hawkes Bay, Uncle Robert and Aunty Adele are always happy to weave their knowledge into a story as we wander through the native bush overlooking the ocean - sometimes talking about the traditional and therapeutic uses of the various plants or foraging for kai. Our local Māori guides ensure that all traditional protocols are followed during these precious visits - which has proven ideal. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b54765ff7c506aed6dfbd8/57c781bd6a4963a6cb2f42ba/1486435939710/slide+5.5+copy.jpg Unique Maori Cultural Experiences - Unique Maori Cultural Experiences At Gourmet Journeys we believe the wairua or spirituality of the Māori culture overlays every part of the New Zealand tourism experience. Māori have a rich and unique culture, with a special affinity for the natural environment - the forests, the sea, rivers, lakes, mountains and astronomy. Māori participation in the tourism sector is important. It contributes directly to the long-term success and sustainability of many local communities, creating employment but as importantly, preserving the knowledge and culture into the future. We incorporate local Māori tourism suppliers and guides into our arrangements wherever possible recognising that any visit to Aotearoa is incomplete without some form of authentic cultural interaction. It is a privilege to be welcomed on to a traditional Marae. To assist with the preparation of the hangi meal and to then hours later, join in to raise this from its steaming earth oven before enjoying the fruits of your labors with new found friends. Over the years, we have been very fortunate forging rich friendships with many key Māori guides, storytellers and Kaumatua (elders) at traditional Marae scattered across Aotearoa. We also have strong links with two fascinating living Maori villages, Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu in Rotorua + a home-hosted dining experience with a local Māori family - which is also Rotorua based. When in Hawkes Bay, Uncle Robert and Aunty Adele are always happy to weave their knowledge into a story as we wander through the native bush overlooking the ocean - sometimes talking about the traditional and therapeutic uses of the various plants or foraging for kai. Our local Māori guides ensure that all traditional protocols are followed during these precious visits - which has proven ideal. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b54765ff7c506aed6dfbd8/57ccc1add1758e8b0e739dcc/1486435909361/remove+image+of+maori+men+in+costume+and+replace+with+this.jpg Unique Maori Cultural Experiences - Unique Maori Cultural Experiences At Gourmet Journeys we believe the wairua or spirituality of the Māori culture overlays every part of the New Zealand tourism experience. Māori have a rich and unique culture, with a special affinity for the natural environment - the forests, the sea, rivers, lakes, mountains and astronomy. Māori participation in the tourism sector is important. It contributes directly to the long-term success and sustainability of many local communities, creating employment but as importantly, preserving the knowledge and culture into the future. We incorporate local Māori tourism suppliers and guides into our arrangements wherever possible recognising that any visit to Aotearoa is incomplete without some form of authentic cultural interaction. It is a privilege to be welcomed on to a traditional Marae. To assist with the preparation of the hangi meal and to then hours later, join in to raise this from its steaming earth oven before enjoying the fruits of your labors with new found friends. Over the years, we have been very fortunate forging rich friendships with many key Māori guides, storytellers and Kaumatua (elders) at traditional Marae scattered across Aotearoa. We also have strong links with two fascinating living Maori villages, Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu in Rotorua + a home-hosted dining experience with a local Māori family - which is also Rotorua based. When in Hawkes Bay, Uncle Robert and Aunty Adele are always happy to weave their knowledge into a story as we wander through the native bush overlooking the ocean - sometimes talking about the traditional and therapeutic uses of the various plants or foraging for kai. Our local Māori guides ensure that all traditional protocols are followed during these precious visits - which has proven ideal. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b54765ff7c506aed6dfbd8/57c78123414fb54d05f6e2dd/1486435951737/2.5+copy.jpg Unique Maori Cultural Experiences - Unique Maori Cultural Experiences At Gourmet Journeys we believe the wairua or spirituality of the Māori culture overlays every part of the New Zealand tourism experience. Māori have a rich and unique culture, with a special affinity for the natural environment - the forests, the sea, rivers, lakes, mountains and astronomy. Māori participation in the tourism sector is important. It contributes directly to the long-term success and sustainability of many local communities, creating employment but as importantly, preserving the knowledge and culture into the future. We incorporate local Māori tourism suppliers and guides into our arrangements wherever possible recognising that any visit to Aotearoa is incomplete without some form of authentic cultural interaction. It is an honour to be welcomed on to a traditional Marae as a friendly visitor; to assist with the preparation of the hangi meal (ladies roll up your sleeves!), and to then hours later, join in to raise the hangi (gentlemen roll up your sleeves!) from its steaming earth oven before we all enjoy the fruits of our labors with new found friends. Over the years, we have been very fortunate in forging rich friendships with many key Māori guides, storytellers along with Kaumatua at several traditional Marae's scattered across Aotearoa. We also have strong links with two fascinating living Maori villages, Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu in Rotorua, or perhaps a home-hosted dinner with a local Māori family is more your style. When in Hawkes Bay, Uncle Robert and Aunty Adele are always happy to weave theirknowledge into an interesting story as we wander through the native bush overlooking the ocean - sometimes talking about the traditional and therapeutic uses of the various plants or foraging for pipi or kina and there is always a welcome cuppa waiting for us. Our local Māoriguides ensure that all traditional protocols are followed during these precious visits - which has proven ideal for all involved. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/t/57c7807b29687f29e691966b/1472692356261/Replace+exisiting+Maori+hand+holding+thumbnail+with+this+in+Crea+Menu+copy.jpg Unique Maori Cultural Experiences https://www.gourmetjourneys.co.nz/nz-video-gallery daily 0.75 2017-05-24 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b548a75016e111f823a130/57c3b1c42994ca285170d8ca/1472442945860/P3.3+of+6.jpg Video Gallery - New Zealand Wine - Pure Discovery New Zealand Wine - Pure Discovery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b548a75016e111f823a130/57c7757b1b631b7a4a7c37b0/1473076396556/Thumbnail+for+James+Cameron+video+copy.jpg Video Gallery - James Cameron in 100% Pure New Zealand Another core belief at Gourmet Journeys, is that the wairua or spirituality of the Māori culture, overlays every part of the New Zealand tourism experience. Māori have a rich, unique and dynamic culture, with a special affinity for the natural environment - the forests, the sea, rivers, lakes, mountains, astronomy and through their whakapapa, trace family genealogy back to the arrival in New Zealand of one of the seven waka (Tainui, Te Arawa, Matatua, Kurahaupo, Tokomaru, Aotea and Takitimu) which were sailed by ancestors across the vast Pacific Ocean. Māori participation in the tourism sector is important to many community's long-term success and sustainability - creating employment for their young people but as importantly, preserving the knowledge and culture into the future. Long before there was so much talk of sustainability and giving back, we were incorporating local Māori businesses into our arrangements - simply because we recognised that any visit to Aotearoa was not complete without some form of direct interaction with their culture. And we don't mean sitting passively, observing a kapa haka cultural performance in a hotel - we mean authentic interactions and experiences, forming memories which will last long in to the future. It is an honour to be invited on to a Marae, to be welcomed as a friendly visitor, and to then potentially assist (only if YOU wish to and are comfortable doing so) with the preparation of the hangi meal - prepare yourself, you have never seen SO much kai/food…And then, hours later, to raise the hangi from its steaming earth oven and enjoy the fruits of your labors with new found friends. Over the years, we have been very fortunate in cultivating rich friendships with many key Maori guides, storytellers and Kaumatua at several traditional Marae's and the thoroughly fascinating living Maori villages of Whakarewarewa and Ohinimutu who are prepared to host us. And when in Hawkes Bay, Uncle Robert, one of our favourite elders is always happy to weave his knowledge into an interesting story as we wander through the bush near his home, sometimes talking about traditional and therapeutic uses of the various plants, or foraging for pipi or kina … and there is always a cuppa waiting for us as we return to his home. Perhaps being hosted at a private dinner in a local Maori family's home in Rotorua is more your style. Our local Maori guides ensure that all traditional protocols are followed during these various visits, which has proven ideal for all involved. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b548a75016e111f823a130/57c78b23197aea831debd69b/1473135493209/Thumbnail+for+TNZ+video+%282%29+copy.jpg Video Gallery - 100% Pure New Zealand https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b548a75016e111f823a130/57cd5cf7414fb5cb628e3ecd/1495586857801/Thumbnail+for+Wine+video.jpg Video Gallery - New Zealand Wine - Pure Discovery https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b548a75016e111f823a130/57ce43b53e00bed93bbab936/1495586857844/Thumb+nail+for+video+4.jpg Video Gallery - Food Design Institute Otago Polytech, Dunedin https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b548a75016e111f823a130/585b17ecff7c505ae41e768a/1495586857872/Hanz-Vineyard-3-1170x550.jpg Video Gallery - Whitestone Cheese Co - The Lindis Pass https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5759d19c356fb0c7eeb3ae75/57b548a75016e111f823a130/5924d737d1758ec0d203644b/1495586646048/ Video Gallery - 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