Kia Ora from Auckland, New Zealand. This week, we explored indigenous Auckland — and we got high.
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Here’s this week’s question: Tell us about your most memorable indigenous travel experience. Whether you went to a luau in Oahu or toured a Maasai village in Kenya, we want to hear your story. Please leave your comment.
The highlight of the week was hanging out with our Dane Tumahai. He's an eighth-generation direct descendant of the Chief Apihai Te Kawau from the Ngati Whatua Orakei tribe, and offers walking tours of the city.
Dane's ancestors gifted the land to establish Auckland. He took us on a tour of a dormant volcano and his ancestral village. It was fascinating.
We feel very lucky to have been welcomed into Dane’s world. As always, people were very friendly and happy to answer our questions about Māori culture.
The boys and I also ascended to the highest point in Auckland, the iconic Sky Tower. Here we are on the observation deck. It's a great view, but I recommend visiting when the weather is clear. We went on a rainy day and the views were obstructed by clouds.
We've gotten into a very comfortable routine here in Auckland. Every morning we walk along the wharf to get coffee or fresh bread. There's a vintage tram that runs along the waterfront, mostly for tourists.
I've talked with several Americans who say they happily left the States to move to Auckland. You can get New Zealand citizenship after five years of living here. "Would you ever do that?" they asked me. If I could stay in one place for five years, sure. But I can't even sit still for a month!
Don’t forget this week’s question: Tell us about your most memorable indigenous travel experience. We love getting your comments.
Indigenous Auckland Confidential: Experiencing authentic New Zealand