Hīkoi + Te Ara Toi Tour – Walking Tour + An Introduction to Māori Art and Taonga at Auckland Art Gallery

Join us for two tours in one!

Begin with a guided hīkoi (walking tour) of significant Māori artworks in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
After a short break, continue inside Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki for deeper insight into taonga Māori (Māori treasures) and artworks.

About the tour:

• Many of the artworks on the hīkoi draw inspiration from Waihorotiu, the stream that once carved the valley now known as Queen Street.
• The tour follows the historic path of the stream’s tributaries, through the volcanic slopes of Rangipuke Albert Park to the original foreshore.
• Along the way, see artworks that reflect Auckland’s evolving landscape since the paramount chief of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Apihai Te Kawau allocated land for the city in 1840.
• The first tour ends with a 15-minute break before continuing to the second tour, Te Ara Toi, inside the Gallery.
• The second tour explores toi Māori (Māori art), including the significance of toi whakairo (carving) and getting to know the tūpuna (ancestors) represented in Gottfried Lindauer’s portraits.

This double tour combination is an ideal introduction to te ao Māori (the Māori world), art and culture in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Perfect for first-time visitors looking to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history and artistic heritage.

What to expect:

• Meeting point: Te Komititanga square. Across the road from the downtown Ferry terminal, in front of the Queens Rooftop Bar sign – look for our uniformed staff.
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours, including a 15-minute break.
• Walking distance: The first tour covers 1km, with a gentle slope.
• Standing time: The second tour is 45 minutes inside the Gallery.
• Headsets will be provided for clear audio. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure for headset distribution and a short safety briefing.

What to bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• A water bottle (can be checked in at the Gallery for the second part of the tour)
• A camera or phone for photos
• Sun protection (hat/sunscreen) or rain gear, depending on the weather

Important information:

The tour starts at Te Komititanga square (in front of the Queens Rooftop Bar sign, opposite the ferry building and Britomart train station) and ends at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.
You will be notified via email if the tour is cancelled due to extreme weather.
This tour is great for visitors arriving on a cruise ship', with a convenient starting location near Queens Wharf and an easy return to the cruise terminal after the tour.