Arahura Greenstone Tours
Arahura Greenstone Tours
Arahura Greenstone Tours
4.5
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view

About
Arahura Greenstone Tours is a special Maori cultural experience. Your guides share legends on guided walks on the sacred Arahura River near Hokitika. We will help you find coveted treasure, POUNAMU (Greenstone), an internationally recognized symbol of New Zealand culture. Greenstone Tour options 2 hour tour 4 hour tour
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Arahura Greenstone Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
40 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
5
hal0we
4 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
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!
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mona
Hamilton, New Zealand3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
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
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
Written 8 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robbie McKenna
1 contribution
Aug 2023
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.
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peony219
Glasgow, UK12 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
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.
Written 29 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Courtney B
5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
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.
It was a definite highlight of our trip and we are so glad we were able to do this.
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carina
1 contribution
Apr 2023
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.
Written 11 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruru-Clarke
Christchurch, New Zealand3 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
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
Written 14 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drmhf
Weymouth51 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
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.
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.
Written 8 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EZ7continents
Boca Raton, United States47 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
We are a family of 5 that has been to many places. We have never had a day like this one, in a good way! We followed Tangi's directions to a small park along the roadside, using an abandoned bridge on a pedestal as the guidepost. We were the only car there. For whatever reason, I expected Tangi to be a woman, having misjudged his name. When a man missing half of his teeth approached our vehicle, I was a bit suspect. But when he called my name, I knew it must be Tangi! We started off by listening to his introduction, which was interesting. He then indicated that we could not proceed without sharing our information with him. This seemed fair. He asked us the name of our tribe, our river, our mountain, and our fearsome creature. He was completely serious, so we responded in kind. Then he showed us the hongi nose/forehead greeting, and led us to his tribal community hall. We met Tangi's parents, sisters, and nephew at their home. I wasn't sure we would ever make it to the river, but we eventually did. Our 23, 20, and 15-year olds were off and running in an effort to score the best greenstone and create the nicest necklace. It was an outdoor day along a cold but peaceful river on Christmas Day. It was a low key fun activity, part arts & crafts, and part cultural awareness. It was a nice change of pace from the more adrenaline pumping jet boat, race car, horseback, rafting stuff that we did the rest of the trip. And no, no one broke into our car and stole our luggage (even though we were concerned). Leave your preconceived notions at home!!
Written 23 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah M
Christchurch, New Zealand8 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
Hokitika is a very beautiful place, well worth staying a few days to enjoy the sun, beach and in my case to search for some Pounamu whilst learning a little of the local Maori culture. The day of my trip dawned and it was overcast and wet....perfect conditions for finding Pounamu!
Tangi brought his niece Tina and her cute pup Diva down to meet me at the Arahura Bridge Heritage Park site. After being offered a loan of a pair of wellies (I stupidly declined!), Tina took me to the Arahura River bridge and briefed me on the local Maori tribe: Kati Waewae Hapu. Tina then gave me the official tribal greeting and welcome ceremony- which meant I was welcome and allowed to visit the local area and to look for Pounamu. I felt honoured and really enjoyed being made to feel an honoured visitor to their home.
We drove up to the site of the newly built Marae. Not officially open as yet but a beautiful building with exquisite carvings by another of Tina's Uncles. The local Maori have worked for many years to make this happen and full credit to all the local families involved. Tina also took me to the little cemetry to pay iur respects to those who have passed. A beautiful spot overlooking the mouth of the Arahura River.
We then made our way down to another of her Uncles for a cuppa and biscuit - another part of the ceremonial side - and while we waited for the tide to go out, Tina talked to me about travelling with her Uncle Tangi as a young girl all over New Zealand selling and learning about the many, many different types of Pounamu including its close cousin Serpentine. Knowledge is passed down through the families so was lovely to hear how she developed her knowledge of the stone and how to find it. Back in the old days the Maori ancestors would cross all manner of countryside, mountains, rivers to search for this valuable source of trade and income. Incredible to think how they did it and returned laden with a basket on their back of this heavy type of stone.
The tide seemed to be out enough, so into the river we went...me up to my knees, soaking wet socks and boots but I just didn't care. I was looking for Greenstone with someone with expert local knowledge. Ofcourse Tina was finding plenty and assured me that my piece would find me. The first piece you find should be passed along, so I returned my first piece of Pounamu to the river who then gave me a lovely grass green colour piece. Tina took some pics of me hunting but sadly my camera stopped working so I dont have any photos of me doing so.
We then returned to the hut and Tina pulled out a Drexel drill so we could drill our pieces and make a pendant or earring or just leave your piece as it is. I will leave Tina and Uncle Tangi to show you their ancestry stories, the importance of Pounamu to their culture and other tricks of their traditional trade.
We then returned to the village and said our farewells. I had a brilliant day and recommend you this tour to learn a little about Maori culture from the locals and to try your own hand at finding Pounamu. Thank you Tina and Tangi. I hope many more people find their way to you to learn and enjoy some time at beautiful Arahura River.
Tangi brought his niece Tina and her cute pup Diva down to meet me at the Arahura Bridge Heritage Park site. After being offered a loan of a pair of wellies (I stupidly declined!), Tina took me to the Arahura River bridge and briefed me on the local Maori tribe: Kati Waewae Hapu. Tina then gave me the official tribal greeting and welcome ceremony- which meant I was welcome and allowed to visit the local area and to look for Pounamu. I felt honoured and really enjoyed being made to feel an honoured visitor to their home.
We drove up to the site of the newly built Marae. Not officially open as yet but a beautiful building with exquisite carvings by another of Tina's Uncles. The local Maori have worked for many years to make this happen and full credit to all the local families involved. Tina also took me to the little cemetry to pay iur respects to those who have passed. A beautiful spot overlooking the mouth of the Arahura River.
We then made our way down to another of her Uncles for a cuppa and biscuit - another part of the ceremonial side - and while we waited for the tide to go out, Tina talked to me about travelling with her Uncle Tangi as a young girl all over New Zealand selling and learning about the many, many different types of Pounamu including its close cousin Serpentine. Knowledge is passed down through the families so was lovely to hear how she developed her knowledge of the stone and how to find it. Back in the old days the Maori ancestors would cross all manner of countryside, mountains, rivers to search for this valuable source of trade and income. Incredible to think how they did it and returned laden with a basket on their back of this heavy type of stone.
The tide seemed to be out enough, so into the river we went...me up to my knees, soaking wet socks and boots but I just didn't care. I was looking for Greenstone with someone with expert local knowledge. Ofcourse Tina was finding plenty and assured me that my piece would find me. The first piece you find should be passed along, so I returned my first piece of Pounamu to the river who then gave me a lovely grass green colour piece. Tina took some pics of me hunting but sadly my camera stopped working so I dont have any photos of me doing so.
We then returned to the hut and Tina pulled out a Drexel drill so we could drill our pieces and make a pendant or earring or just leave your piece as it is. I will leave Tina and Uncle Tangi to show you their ancestry stories, the importance of Pounamu to their culture and other tricks of their traditional trade.
We then returned to the village and said our farewells. I had a brilliant day and recommend you this tour to learn a little about Maori culture from the locals and to try your own hand at finding Pounamu. Thank you Tina and Tangi. I hope many more people find their way to you to learn and enjoy some time at beautiful Arahura River.
Written 16 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OnAir02227526580
Auckland, New Zealand
what are your future plans for Arahura Greenstone Tour?
Written 26 August 2020
OnAir02227526580
Auckland, New Zealand
Hi there Arahura Greenstone Tour, I just wanted to ask you guys a question based on your business. The question is what future strategic plans do you have for your business, that refers to the issues/gaps you guys face.
Written 26 August 2020
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