Waikato in the North Island is a place with a very deep, complicated history. It is here that the Māori King movement began, that wars were fought, and where some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most celebrated Māori scholars, artists and storytellers hail from.

After the ocean-voyaging vessel Tainui came to Aotearoa more than 800 years ago, it was buried under a hill in the Waikato town of Kaawhia. A school was established there named Te Ahurei.

An art and sculpture tour to remember

Te Ahurei Māori Tourism(opens in new window) continues that tradition of knowledge sharing. Founder Les Tuteao is a proud descendent of those teachers and storytellers, and a lover of art.

Les first came up with the idea for Te Ahurei in 2019 during Matariki, Māori new year, at a conference for indigenous peoples from all over the world. His pou – pillars – in creating the experience were his mother Shirley and his sister Charity.

With their support, he shares the histories of Waikato with the messages behind the significant public artworks in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, nestled on the banks of the mighty Waikato River.

On a looped, two-hour walk, he’ll take you to seven amazing artworks that are shining examples of the skill and mastery that can be found in this unique region.