New Zealand : Whale Rider Country

This 14-day itinerary explores the Eastland region, steeped in over 1000 years of Maori heritage. It remains one of the country’s least visited areas, and also one of the most genuine, and those who do venture to this eastern-most point of New Zealand are rarely disappointed.

Witi Ihimaera’s novel ‘Whale Rider’ is the touching and ultimately uplifting story of tradition, Maori legend and a young girl’s quest to gain the understanding and acceptance of her grandfather. The recent film version provided audiences with a taste of Maori culture and demonstrated that there is far more to New Zealand than just some of the finest scenery in the world.

In Eastland you will find Maori settlements, churches and Maraes. You will also have the opportunity to talk with local people at a homestay, and visit Whangara, the setting for both the book and film. The itinerary also features the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture at Rotorua, and the whale-watching capital, Kaikoura. These tie in nicely with the themes of the film and provide a contrast against the cosmopolitan cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

This itinerary is the perfect complement to our Simply South holiday.