arahura greenstone tours

Are you a person who enjoys adventures that are unique and personal to you?

If you are a person who desires a culturally authentic experience that is reflective of the local people and shares their history and ancient legends in a way that resonates with you, by being hands on and actively involved, yet at one with the river.

Then join us and our guides for a tour that is led from the heart and let the pounamu call to you as a gift from the river.

Our tours cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world, as the connection to the river and local people is intertwined in history and holds true to the values of Kati Waewae tribe guardians of the Arahura river.

Arahura Greenstone Tours offer a very special Maori cultural experience.

Our Maori guides will share ancient legends and help you find New Zealand’s most coveted treasure, Greenstone, on a guided walk along the sacred Arahura River.

Your local guides have a unique connection to the Arahura river known as one of the richest sources of  Pounamu  and the local area that goes back many generations and enjoy sharing their knowledge and love of  Te tai o Poutini (West Coast) and the Arahura River.

You will be able to find small pieces of Pounamu (Greenstone), learn to carve this precious stone into a necklace, and keep this taonga (treasure) to cherish.

For the Kati Waewae tribe Pounamu is said to be a peace stone and a vessel for good things. However, there was a time when it was used as a weapon of war; now it is a peace stone once more.

Our Arahura Greenstone Tours operate all year round, weather permitting.

Tour options

Arahura Greenstone Tours, Hokitika, West Coast

A very special West Coast Māori cultural experience.

Our Māori tour guides will share ancient legends and help you find greenstone, New Zealand’s most coveted treasure on a guided walk along the sacred Arahura River.

Your local guides have a unique connection to the Arahura river known as one of the richest sources of  Pounamu  and the local area that goes back many generations and enjoy sharing their knowledge and love of  Te tai o Poutini (West Coast) and the Arahura River.

You will be able to find small pieces of Pounamu (Greenstone), learn to carve this precious stone into a necklace, and keep this taonga (treasure) to cherish.

For the Kati Waewae tribe Pounamu is said to be a peace stone and a vessel for good things. However, there was a time when it was used as a weapon of war; now it is a peace stone once more.

Our Arahura Greenstone Tours operate all year round, weather permitting.

Hokitika Māori Culture Tours

You will begin at Arahura Bridge Heritage Park.  From there you will be guided through the Arahura Pa (Tribal village) and then on a journey along the Arahura River while learning the history of the Kati Waewae Hapu.

Our guides will

• Share their local knowledge with you, which includes the history of the region and the Arahura River.
• On the tour you will hear the beautiful bird song of the native birds that live near the river and the guides will explain what bird was singing or calling.
• Give you the opportunity to soak your feet in a river that is free from contaminants and the impact of modern man.
• Show you how to identify greenstone in its natural environment.
• Reveal the legends of the Arahura river greenstone that are sacred to the Kati Waewae Hapu.
• Finally, on the piece of stone that you found, you have an opportunity to crave a motif reflective of you and your tour journey.

Refreshments will be provided at the end of our tour.

Our guided tours are an easy walk over flat ground and river stones.

But please be prepared to get your feet wet, however, this is all part of your Greenstone Tour Experience

Tours available

Private Tours

These are arranged to suit both the customer and our guides time table and have the flexibility to cater for everyone’s needs, so are not restricted to set time slots. It is a matter of contacting us and making a suitable time.

Bus or Group Tours

These are pre organised well in advance to suit the bus or group tour itinerary. We have selected package tour operators we work with.

School Group Tours

We have several packages that are reflective of the needs of school groups and work with the schools organising a tour to ensure that we meet their educational requirements whilst remaining true to our beliefs and culture.

Understanding our tour ethos

Our tours do not have all the bells and whistles of a commercialised tour operation, as we believe this contradicts the integrity of what we are trying to achieve for the Arahura Pa and the direct descendants who either live on the Pa or nearby. We are a traditional Pa and are proud of both our identity and customs that define who we are and are not into over commercialisation. What you see, is what you get. We are, who we are and proud to stand by our beliefs. Our aim is to provide a pathway for self-sufficiency of our families and retain the true cultural identity of the Kati WaeWae Hapu.

What do you need to bring

• Warm clothing
• Sensible footwear

Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.

Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.

Contact Info

• Hokitika Hokitika West Coast 7810 New Zealand

New Zealand Travel Blogs

Check out some of the most amazing places to visit in New Zealand

Explore Hawke’s Bay this Autumn

Nestled on the East Coast of NZ’s North Island, the Hawke’s Bay is a great year-round destination. Explore sun-kissed vineyards, rugged coastlines, and vibrant communities

How to Travel New Zealand on a Budget

Plan a budget-friendly holiday in New Zealand and make the most of your trip while keeping costs down. Follow these travel tips for an affordable

Escape to Nature on the Wild West Coast

The West Coast of the South Island is renowned for its rugged beauty and stunning landscapes. The region offers a perfect blend of natural beauty,

© 2023 NZ Online - a mediahub site

Change location, find awesome listings near you.

Arahura Greenstone Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Arahura Greenstone Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Arahura Greenstone Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

ARAHURA GREENSTONE TOURS (Hokitika) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Arahura Greenstone Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

ARAHURA GREENSTONE TOURS (Hokitika) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Arahura Greenstone Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

ARAHURA GREENSTONE TOURS (Hokitika) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Greenstone Tour on the Saced Arahura River

• Afternoon tea
• Transportation to/from attractions
• Greymouth, Greymouth, West Coast Region, South Island
• Location Name: 7kms North of Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island Location Address: Arahura Bridge Heritage Park State Highway 6 Arahura Hokitika Directions: There is free car parking at the Arahura Bridge Heritage Park where your guide will meet you to embark on your tour.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
• A maximum of 15 people per booking
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• Peony219 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unique cultural experience We had such a wonderful time doing this activity. Tangi was so knowledgable about Maori history and culture, and we loved hearing the story of the greenstone. We also had so much fun picking our own greenstones from the river and making some necklaces. We were lucky enough to find lots of greenstone, including some Waitiki, so have a couple of small bags full to take home. We were on a tight time schedule and Tangi went out of his way to pick us up from and drop us off at our hotel to ensure we didn't miss our bus. Please ignore the other negative reviews - this was an amazing experience and well worth the money. Read more Written 29 March 2024
• courtneybA791ID 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing! We had an amazing experience with Tangi and Tui this morning. It was wonderful to learn more about the Maori culture and specifically the Kati Waewae tribe. Their passion came through in the stories they told and it was so great to be able to ask them all of our questions and learn more about their culture, the importance of pounamu and the significance of the Aruhara River. It was a definite highlight of our trip and we are so glad we were able to do this. Read more Written 14 November 2023
• Katherine B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must do while in the West Coast. An experience we’ll never forget. Spending a few hours with Tangi was truly an amazing journey. The knowledge and heartfelt passion he has for his country and culture was not lost on my partner and I. Being able to know the history of the greenstone and what it means to the people was a must for us and being able to take home a handmade necklace from a piece we had found ourselves meant everything. Would highly recommend, I would love to come back and do this again with my kids. Read more Written 7 September 2023
• RQM12992 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A wonderful shared experience It was an experience that my partner and I will remember forever. We had a wonderful time getting to know Tangi and hearing his stories and those passed down to him. You can tell Tangi is very passionate about the area and the stories of pounamu, and we were very grateful to be invited to a space that is a part of his and the local iwi's home and private space. We came away from this experience with a story and a physical representation of it to pass on to our friends or family and their/our descendants. Read more Written 8 August 2023
• RoverMooter23 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Such a fantastic experience! What an incredible experience! Thank you Tangi for sharing your knowledge with our group. We had a wonderful walk along your special river, and enjoyed the chance to find our own pounamu and turning it into a wonderful keepsake. Your insightful stories were a great addition to a fantasic afternoon. Read more Written 10 April 2023
• hal0we 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A magical afternoon! We had a magical afternoon with Tangi! The tour was authentic and down to earth - definitely not a corporate flashy tour which made it more heartfelt & sincere. Our teenagers loved it and rate it as highly as the parents! The stories behind the pounamu was insightful and a huge part of the experience. A tour we will treasure! Read more Written 20 January 2023
• matzekern 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A heartfelt experience! An excellent down to earth experience with a relaxed local. No polish, but very heartfelt. After spending the midday with him we felt super relaxed and happy we found this gem of an experience. Definitely a highlight of our trip! Read more Written 17 January 2023
• anruruclarke 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The BEST experience! The BEST tour ever! It was a spiritual awakening and I have sooo much appreciation and gratitude to Tangi for sharing his knowledge, whenua and pounamu with us. This is definitely a must do when visiting Hokitika. It was my first visit and definitely won't be my last. Arohanui Read more Written 13 December 2022
• MonaTaare-July 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic Tour Guide Although it’s really difficult to choose a favourite part of our tour as the whole experience was so amazing. Tangi shared the whakapapa and journey of Poutini (Taniawha) Waitaiki and Tamaahua, a beautiful whakapapa that we got to be apart of today. The pounamu that chose us to be their kaitiaki was a very spiritual moment quite an overwhelming and surreal experience. I would absolutely recommend this Pounamau tour not only for tourist but also for tangatawhenua as we have connections to the awa/moana/roto, maunga, marae, hapu, iwi and waka! Thank you Tangi Read more Written 7 July 2022
• schnipps_mac 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best trip we had in NZ Amazing trip with Tangi. Coolest guy ever. Learn something about Maori, learn something about greenstone. Find your own greenstone and make it to a necklace. You will get wet feet. Read more Written 7 November 2018
• torsmey 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles It wasn't worth the money This trip was included in a NZ round tour booked by our travel agency. Therefore we didn't know the prize. The provided knowledge about Maori culture wasn't much and should have been more detailed. Like other tours, commented before, the guide pitched in for his uncle. It felt like he was working off a checklist than being prepared properly. Mainly we just listened to some maori tales from the older days, sitting in an old shack. We had a nice conversation though and tinkering our own stone necklaces was fun. Conclusion: For that prize it's not enough and you will be disappointed. Read more Written 21 March 2018
• Jacob W 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles waste of time and money I knew more about maori culture than the guide. He was filling in for his uncle, didn't even know what percentage maori he himself was. Said he had just gotten out of rehab and hadn't really prepared for the tours yet. Paid $1000 and just left really disappointed and saddened. Read more Written 15 March 2018
• drmhf 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Frightening experience Took this trip on advice of a Similar type of company in Kaikoura who were fully booked during our stay there and at not inconsiderable cost for the 4 hour tour. We arrived at a fairly isolated car park to find ourselves the only ones there. " maori gentleman were talking to another man who passed something furtively to them. The maoris then introduced themselves as father and son who were taking the tour. The other chap was then excessive effusive about how good the tour was before leaving. I'm no expert but I know we just witnessed a drug purchase. the Maoris had no identification and the father appeared to be high as a kite on something barely able to get a sentence out. There then followed a very awkward introduction and very limited explanation of their attachment to the area and offering of a bag of savoury biscuits as some replication of a Maori welcome. We were then taken to a sign which was part of national tourist information board regarding the area where he pointed to a house in the photo and said this was his but then later pointed to same house and said his uncle lived there. They then tried to persuade us to get in the back of their less than roadworthy truck and abandon our car with all our belongings in this remote car park to head to their village. We declined and after brief discussion felt extremely uncomfortable with the whole situation and as though we were about to be robbed so rapidly drove off to our next destination. It may just be the most amateur and poorly presented tour in the world but I'm well travelled and not prone to paranoia and have not felt so insecure for a long time so all i would say is be careful. Read more Written 8 July 2016
• RonsKay 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Hokitiko---Jade City Jade comes in many colors, anywhere from black (not found in NZ) to a pale translucent green. The designs can be anything from traditional Maori symbols to contemporary. You can watch craftsmen----and women, carve these pieces using diamond tipped drills with small water hoses attached to them. I dare you to leave without purchasing something! Read more Written 16 February 2015

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Greenstone Tour on the Saced Arahura River provided by Arahura Greenstone Tours

Pounamu: Greenstone

Pounamu is a precious and powerful stone. It is often carved into a pendant or necklace, which carries special meaning for its wearer.

The legend of Pounamu

Greenstone - Whakatane, New Zealand

By Graeme Murray

According to the people of Ngāi Tahu (a South Island tribe), Poutini was a Taniwha (giant water being) who swam up and down the seas of the West Coast,  protecting both the people and the mauri (life force)  of P ounamu.

One day while resting in the warm waters off Tuhua (Mayor Island), he saw a beautiful woman bathing in the sea. Her name was Waitaki. Full of admiration, Poutini snatched her and fled south towards his mainland.

Waitaiki's husband, Tamaahua, was a powerful chief. When he realised his wife had been taken, he threw a magical dart in the air. The dart pointed in his wife's direction, and he paddled after them in an unrelenting pursuit.

Realising that Tamaahua would not rest until he reclaimed Waitaiki, Poutini decided the only way to keep her forever was to turn the woman into his essence. The taniwha transformed Waitaiki into Pounamu and laid her down within the riverbeds of the Arahura River.

When the chief discovered his wife turned to stone in the riverbed, he let out a tangi - a tremendous song of grief. If you listen closely in New Zealand's deep south, you may still hear it echo through the mountains.

Symbols and designs

Hei Tiki, the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, New Zealand

By Te Puia, the New New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute

Pounamu jewellery is typically carved into traditional Māori symbols.  More than just a  beautiful art form , pounamu can represent ancestors, connection with the natural world, or attributes such as strength, prosperity, love, and harmony.

Some of the most popular designs are: 

• Toki: The toki (adze) is a type of blade, is associated with determination, control, strength, focus and hope.
• Koru: The graceful koru represents a native fern unfurling and symbolises new life, new beginnings, hope, personal growth, purity nurturing, a new phase in life, the spirit of rejuvenation and peace.
• Hei matau: The fish hook design signifies a connection to the moana (ocean) and brings the wearer good luck and safety while travelling.
• Tiki: Hei-tiki designed as a pendant in human form, it symbolises strength and enduement. Usually passed down from generation to generation. Each piece carries a mana (prestige) that increases with each new bearer, with the most precious having known histories stretching back into time.

Jewellery and souvenirs

Pounamu gifts, Auckland

By Aotea Gifts Auckland

There are many beliefs surrounding pounamu, of which is that one should not carve or buy for oneself. Just as pounamu was a gift from the land in its natural form, carved greenstone should always be a gift between two people.

To learn more about greenstone carving, and shop for meaningful gifts for your loved ones,  visit  Mountain Jade  in Rotorua   for a free guided visit of their workshop. 

Where to find pounamu in New Zealand?

Museum of Waitangi - Pounamu, Bay of Islands

By Ruth Lawton Photography

All pounamu is sourced from riverbeds and boulders in the South Island , especially the   West Coast . The colour and markings of each stone vary according to its river source. Take a greenstone tour (opens in new window)  along the Arahura River for a Māori cultural experience.

Found in colours ranging from cloudy light green to deep emerald with different markings, pounamu was considered so significant by Māori that the South Island was named after it, Te-Wai-Pounamu meaning “the waters of greenstone”. 

#MāoriCulture

• Share on Facebook
• Share by email

Learn more about Māori culture

Toi: Māori Arts long-arrow-right

Te Reo Māori: Māori Language long-arrow-right

Raranga: The art of Māori weaving long-arrow-right

Tā moko: traditional Māori tattoo long-arrow-right

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

• Moscow Travel and City Excursions

Our 20 Best Moscow Day Tours of 2022

See all that Moscow has to offer by choosing one or more of our incredible Moscow day tours. Visit Red Square , St. Basil’s , the Kremlin or perhaps a vodka museum and the fantastic Moscow metro system , we have it all. Our expert, informative and fun guides will help you get to know Europe’s largest city. Please click on the day tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page.  You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre, and the former KGB headquarters...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 20:00
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Walking tours Transportation is not included
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will escort you on a route that includes Vorobyevi...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 18:00
• Tours by car Transportation by private car/minivan is included

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious life of different Jewish families, as well...

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11:00 - 20:00 Friday 10:00 - 14:00 Saturday not available

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened to two and a half times its original size,...

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to the victims of the repression. You will then...

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the street’s many craftsmen....

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury and the workplace of the Russian President....

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday not available

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and 19th century including works by Rublyov, Karavak,...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10:00 - 20:00

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure served as a convent for women of noble birth...

• Schedule Daily 09:00 - 17:00

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians themselves and for visitors from abroad....

• Schedule Daily 10:00 - 17:00

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was here that Donskoi celebrated his victory over...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Saturday 11:00 - 18:00

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra) was built in the first half of the 1340s by...

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic gothic style. The complex includes a landscape...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11:00 - 17:00 Saturday 11:00 - 19:00 Sunday 11:00 - 18:00

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history dates back to 1715, when the village of Kuskovo...

• Schedule Monday, Tuesday not available Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 18:00

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone centuries. You will get to know the story...

• Schedule Daily 10:00 - 19:00

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy and his family including books and personal...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 Thursday 12:00 - 19:00

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's collection includes more than three thousand...

• Schedule Monday not available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12:00 - 19:00 Thursday 14:00 - 21:00

Express to Russia specializes in Moscow city excursions, an essential part of your Moscow travel itinerary. We offer a large variety of day excursions throughout Moscow and its suburbs. From  Red Square  and the  Kremlin  to a city tour of Moscow’s  Old Arbat Street  or the  Moscow metro , an excursion specializing in Stalin and the KGB and much more. No travel to Moscow is complete without taking a few of our day tours that most meet your interest in Russia.

Moscow City Tours

Our Moscow day excursions can be organized on foot or with transport. All of our excursions are led by an experienced guide, specializing in the subject matter of the tour. Excursions are privately run and can be booked for 1 traveler all the way up to large groups of travelers. We run our Moscow city tours in every season. This is because travel to Moscow is excellent in any season. In the summer take a stroll through  Gorky Park  or take a riverboat tour along the Moskva River. In the winter, see Moscow’s winter wonderland of ice and snow and then settle in for a cozy lunch or dinner with a hot bowl of borsht. In winter, spring and fall, you can beat the crowds at all of Moscow’s main attractions and museums. Regardless of when you come, Express to Russia will make sure that your trip is one of your best vacations ever.

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

Join us on Facebook

We invite you to become a fan of our company on Facebook and read Russian news and travel stories. To become a fan, click here .

Join our own Russian Travel, Culture and Literature Club on Facebook. The club was created to be a place for everyone with an interest in Russia to get to know each other and share experiences, stories, pictures and advice. To join our club, please follow this link .

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, and to facilitate providing you with services available through our Website. To opt out of non-essential cookies, please click here . By continuing to use our Website, you accept our use of cookies, the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service . I agree