Powhiri – the traditional Maori welcome to the Marae. This includes a welcome and singing in Te Reo (Maori language), and the traditional Hongi (pressing of noses in greeting).

Lunch – sharing of food always follows the Powhiri. We will serve a delicious meal of fresh breads, cold meat and salads, with muffins or a sweet slice to finish.

Preparation of Hangi – The traditional hangi involves the digging of a pit where heated rocks are placed within, the food is placed in baskets and placed inside the pit, and wet material is placed on top of the food along with the soil to hold the steam. The food is left to cook for approximately 3 hours.

Take the opportunity to assemble your own Hangi – lamb chop, pork, chicken drumstick, kumera (sweet potato), pumpkin, potato. Watch the Hangi being lowered into the ground to cook in the hot pit.

Waka tour – comprehensive instructions will be given on land, and you will be fitted with lifejackets. We drive 20 minutes up the Whanganui River Road to our start point. The waka tour will be approximately 2 hours and finishes back at Pungarehu Marae.

Swim – enjoy a swim in the Whanganui River after your waka tour.  

Afternoon tea – a tasty home baked snack to keep you going.

Dinner – watch the Hangi being lifted from the ground and dine on your individual Hangi, with steamed green vegetables.

Dessert – finish your meal with our traditional Kiwi (New Zealand) dessert. 

Kapahaka - you will love the polished performance of song and dance by the whanau. 

Accommodation – you will stay overnight in the communal sleeping house, the Whare puni. 

Breakfast – partake in a continental breakfast before packing up and departing.