Frequently Asked Questions

  • Te Ihu o Mataoho Tours is located at the end of Ihumatao Quarry Road, Maangere, South Auckland, approximately 10 minutes from Auckland Airport and 30 minutes from Auckland CBD.

    Detailed directions and arrival information will be provided with your booking confirmation.

  • We offer a range of authentic cultural experiences for schools, businesses, community organisations, international visitors and private groups.

    Experiences include:

    • Guided cultural hiikoi

    • Matariki experiences (seasonal)

    • Hands-on creative workshops

    • Team building experiences

    • Planting experiences (seasonal)

    • Custom educational and professional development programmes

    Experiences can be booked individually or combined into half-day or full-day packages.

  • Te Ihu o Mataoho welcomes:

    • School and kura (early childhood, primary, intermediate, secondary, tertiary)

    • Corporate and government teams

    • Community groups and waananga

    • International visitors

    • Conference and event groups

    • Whaanau and private bookings

    We have tailored packages to suit the purpose, age group and learning goals of your group.

  • Guided hiikoi are generally around 1.5 hours. Workshops are approx 1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on selection.

    Packages start with short visit , hiikoi only, through to a full-day immersive programme including workshops , lunch and guided learning.

  • We can host up to 50 people per hiikoi and up to 25 people per workshop, with multiple workshop rotations available for larger groups.

    For schools and large organisations, we often structure groups into smaller learning pods to ensure a more meaningful and interactive experience.

  • We can support groups with transport planning by connecting you with a trusted local bus provider we have a partnership with.

    Transport is arranged and invoiced directly through the bus company and is separate from your booking.

  • All experiences start with a mihi whakatau in our building Toituu te Whenua at the end of Ihumatao Quarry Road (near the entrance to the Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve).

    Full arrival instructions are provided upon booking confirmation.

  • Children under 5 = one adult to two children (1:2)

    Children aged 5-7 = one adult to four children (1:4)

    Children aged 8-14 = one adult to eight children (1:8)

  • As our experiences take place on working whenua and natural terrain, we recommend dressing for comfort and weather conditions.

    Please wear:

    • Closed-toe walking shoes or sturdy sneakers

    • Weather-appropriate clothing

    • Layers in cooler months

    • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) in summer

    • A rain jacket if wet weather is forecast

    We operate in most weather conditions, so preparation is important.

  • We recommend:

    • A reusable personal water bottle

    • Any personal medication you may need (asthma medication, epi pen etc…)

    • A notebook for reflection (especially for students and professional groups)

    • A camera or phone for personal use (where appropriate)

  • The building we meet in has ramp access however our experiences take place across natural whenua, including grassed and uneven surfaces.

    The full experience is not wheelchair accessible.

    If your group has specific accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking so we can discuss the most suitable options.

  • Photography is generally welcome in most areas of the experience.

    However, there may be specific moments or places where photography is not appropriate. Your guides will always let you know when this applies.

    We ask that you do not video or audio record the koorero shared by the guides during your experience.

  • Light rain does not usually affect our experiences.

    We have sheltered spaces available and will adapt activities where needed while still delivering a rich and engaging experience.

    If severe weather affects your booking, we will work with you to reschedule or adjust the programme.

  • Yes.

    We are developing a growing collection of downloadable and printed learning resources that extend the experience of Ihumaatao beyond the whenua.

    These are designed for:

    • Classroom learning

    • Inquiry-based projects

    • Pre-visit preparation

    • Post-visit reflection

    • Teacher professional development

    Resources include stories, activities, contextual learning material and guides written from the perspective of ahi kaa.

    We also have children’s books sharing different puuraakau of Ihumaatao, available for purchase.

  • You cannot book a marae stay direct with us but you can enquire and book direct with Makaurau Marae via email or visit the website here.

  • All cancellations must be made in writing to the Te Ihu o Mataoho Tours

    Cancellations made more than 10 days before the event: full refund of deposit (less any non-recoverable costs).

    Cancellations within 10 days: deposit is non-refundable.

    Cancellations within 5 days: 100% of total booking fee is payable.

    Date changes are subject to availability and may incur administrative costs.