Te Ara Toi – Māori Art and Treasures Tour

 

Discover the richness of toi Māori (Māori art) on this guided tour inside Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Explore a collection of taonga Māori (treasures) and artworks, gaining insight into their cultural significance, history, and meaning.

 

About the tour:

 

• Learn about toi Māori, from traditional whakairo (carving) to portraits of tūpuna Māori (ancestors).
• Explore Gottfried Lindauer’s iconic portraits and the stories of the Māori leaders and ancestors that he painted.
• Gain a deeper understanding of Māori artistry, symbolism, and the ways these works reflect the history and identity of Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Ideal for first-time visitors seeking an introduction to te ao Māori (the Māori world) through art.

 

What to expect:

 

• Meeting point: Inside Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki – look for our uniformed in the entrance foyer.
• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
• Headsets will be provided for clear audio. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure for headset distribution and a short safety briefing.

 

This tour is great for visitors arriving on a cruise ship. Staff will provide clear directions back to Queens Wharf following the tour and can advise on other activities to make the most out of whatever time you have in our city.