Your own private rainforest experience, a guided discovery of the history and secrets of New Zealand's unqiue flora and fauna.
The rainforests of the world are nature’s pinnacle of achievement,matched only by their importance as the richest storehouses of plantand animal communities on Earth. One of the greatest glories of the central North Island of Aotaeroa New Zealand is its rainforests, in their scenic and botanic splendour, of which Whirinaki rules supreme. To the early Maori , Whirinaki was the Garden of Eden in an otherwise barren volcanic environment. The indigenous peoples lived here, harvesting the forest for its rich bird and plant life. It was their medicine cabinet and pantry, long before the advent of pharmacies and supermarkets. These ancient uses of this majestic ancient rainforest are the focus of this unique day outing, created especially for Essence clients staying in Rotorua and Taupo. This one day heli-walk provides a journey back into tribal tradition in a ‘garden’ setting unlike any other in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Join our guides on this journey back in time, they are descendants of the early tribespeople who dwelt within this vast wooded mountain country, long before the coming of the European. These are walks with a story, delivered by the tangata whenua, the first people of this land. This is as it should be, for it is they to whom these tribal legacies have been entrusted.
ITINERARY
The day begins with a scenic helicopter flight from either Rotorua or Taupo airport, eastward across the vast volcanic lands known as Kaingaroa - in Maori, the Long Plain - to the ancient rainforest that is Whirinaki. There you will be meet by your guide, with a greeting made in the traditional fashion, the hongi, or pressing of the noses. The next four hours can be spent within the rainforest, wandering leisurely and hearing something of the tribal protocols and legends, as well as experiencing the food and medicine plants which kept your guide’s ancestors alive in days gone by. You’ll also experience the majesty of some of New Zealand’s giant tree species, including Aotearoa’s tallest variety, the Kahikatea, which grows to 65 metres in this environment. There will be time aplenty to delve deeply into the past through your guide, and to learn of what it is to be Maori in this South Pacific nation in the 21st Century.
A hearty, well balanced and nutritious luncheon will be laid out and ample time provided to soak up the rainforest environment during your walk, which can take you as far or as near as you choose, for this is your special day. En route home by mini coach at day’s end, your guide will share with you his marae, a historic Maori village complex used by his people for all manner of tribal gatherings and occasions.
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