Tu Tika Tours

Definitely a great experience! Murhyn and Rangimarie have been welcoming us very warm and friendly. The encounter" was very private and personal. We had a really grat day including a close contact to the family and kids. They take their Maori heritage seriuos

If Tu Tika were in business for the money, it would have been uneconomic to take me - a solo traveller in the off-season.If you are from afar, or are a NZer wishing to learn from families who have been here longer than your family, you will enjoy the pride and warmth of a Tu Tika tour of Whangarei.Rangimarie and Mervyn seem to me to be navigators.They know where they have come from, and they know the signs to successfully find pathways - whether in life or guiding me on a 2 hour tour.How many markers they point out depends on the level of interaction with Te Ao Maori their guest is comfortable with.And its great fun.I took no photos but that night I couldn't sleep for images in my head.And I repeat - its great fun.Later at Opononi I took the Manea - footprints of Kūpe experience, which I equally recommend.

Mahalo for adapting Tu Tika’s tour beyond Whangarei to include much of the Northland to host the excursion that we had originally anticipated and for sharing so much of your uniquely personal life experiences with us. We sincerely believe that under your warm and expert guidance that authentically radiate the virtuous Maori lifestyles of the “tangata whenua” of Aotearoa, many others would also enjoy and learn much from experiencing a similar 3-day weekend through a range of locales and venues, if offered. Keep up the good work.

Amazing experience today with Merv and Rangimarie. We learnt so much about Maori culture, Whangarei and the beautiful kauri trees at AH Reed. The students were all blown away by the stories, humour and warmest of welcomes.

Aloha from Hawaii!!!We have had the privilege of traveling to Aotearoa nearly 20 times combined over 20+ years and this was by far the most awesome experience we have ever shared. Merv, Rengi, Pinga and the children shared their Maori culture, knowledge, traditions, and food, oh the food was beautiful! The Hangi was the best we have ever tried and the homemade breads, jams, and honey were so special. The special places and family stories of Whangarei are treasures and need to be shared with as many as can find the time to share the experience. We are ready to return to the spiritual beauty of Aotearoa and the Harding family with our friends and family who are lucky enough to share a trip to the Northland...Mahalo Nui Loa!Aloha from New Zealand!We returned to Aotearoa for a second tour with Tu Tika Tours...The Harding family takes you on a fascinating tour of their local area in Whangarei. From the Maori greeting to the historical and truthful narration of the significance of their home, their connection to the land and family, Merv and Rangimarie share the beauty, the challenges, and the culture with you at every stop on the tour. Their Whanau, or family, all participate to make it a welcoming experience as you become part of their extended Whanau. Ping is their Whanau as she also speaks the truth of the history and significance of the beauty and the challenges in historical and modern day Aotearoa. She also shares the local food with your morning snack and we all enjoy the Hangi you help prepare for a hearty Maori lunch. This is a must do while staying in or near Whangarei. We all left with love in our hearts for the Hardings and for Aotearoa!Ross & Jan

I am New Zealander who booked a 2 hour tour of Whangarei, simply because although I have been to Whangarei many times, I had never taken the time to discover Whangarei. And how glad I am that I did take the time because I met two very special locals Rangimarie & Merv Harding whose genuine love of Whangarei shone through in double splendor. These tour guides are something special - so full of energy, knowledge, & honest hospitality. Wow ... they made Whangarei come alive for me and for the first time I really loved being in Whangarei.Merv & Rangimarie thank you so much for this great experience. From start to finish you were both electrifying!! No longer is Whangarei just a town to have a quick stop while you head up north - Now it's Wonderful Whangarei - a travel destination in its own right, and a special one at that.With ArohaJohn Pentland

Thank you for a wonderful day! We have learned SO much and appreciated the amazing places we were blessed to visit with you - thank you for sharing your knowledge and history with us. Our grand daughter is delighted that we have learned some Māori with Te waiata kara!

My family of five absolutely loved this tour. It was fun for my husband and I and our three kids (aged 5,4, and 1). Merv and Rangimarie are very knowledgable about the history and culture of the Maori people as they clearly embrace their heritage. At the same time, they made it really fun to learn about the Maori language and traditions for the kids including cultural songs, dances and chants. I’m glad we did this tour early in our trip in New Zealand because now I feel that I have more insight into the culture which will benefit as for the rest of the trip. Highly recommend!!!!

We loved the Tu Tika tour, Mervin and Rengimarie are truly exceptional, you will learn a lot about the Maori culture and traditions. It's a way of visiting Whangarei knowing what every place means to them and what everything represents. They make you feel part of their family and take you back in time to when their ancestors first arrived there. We truly loved it and we'll remember this experience for time to come.

This Saturday, Bobby and I were fortunate enough to join Tu Tika Tours for a few hours exploring Whangarei. Our time with them was spiritual, informative and enlightening. I know everyone is itching to get out of the country to explore but there are enriching experiences to be had in our own backyard too. I can't recommend these guys enough.