Going Bush

Top: Ngahuia Tahau (Ngati Kahungunu,Tuwharetoa) from PureORA Walks teaches a Japanese tourist how to hongi on the Rotopounamu Track in Tongariro National Park. Bottom; Ngahuia demonstrates a tasting of horopito, the pepper tree. Images supplied by pureORAwalks.

Pureora Forest Park, Tongariro National Park and Whirinaki Forest Park – all in the central North Island – are alive with a diverse ecology, ancient trees and flourishing birdlife. Now, in the company of knowledgeable Maori guides from pureORAwalks, visitors can taste, touch, hear and smell these magnificent, untouched, natural environments that have retained the unique beauty and spirit that comes from thousands of years of growth. PureORA is the only guiding company with rights to guide the entire length of the visually spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing and when you join them on the 19.4km trek that takes you up the saddle between Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro and then over Mt Tongariro, you’re treated to a memorable nature and cultural interaction. And on their Nature-Culture walks you’ll learn about the hongi (greeting), weaving, poi making, basic carving in volcanic pumice and the poi dance; and you’ll get to taste some of the plants that played a key role in the lives of the guides’ ancestors. The Tongariro Crossing is rated one of the best one-day walks in New Zealand and by interweaving the experience with legends and Maori lore, pureORAwalks have created a special experience. www.pureorawalks.com