Whirinaki Forest Footsteps

20/04/2026

"Kia ora Hine,

Please pass on our deepest thanks to Matua Hare and Destiny, my partner and I are currently enjoying the kawakawa tea they gifted to us while it pours down in Pōneke.

We had a wonderful time with them in Whirinaki and the whole experience was so special! We were surprised (but also not surprised in a way) and honoured to hear that we were Destiny's first kiwi guests.

The mahi you do on these tours is so special and we were honoured to have a true sharing of cultures and knowledge between everyone.

We were looking for a really special experience that helped us learn more about Aotearoa, nature and te ao Māori and this exceeded our expectations.

I hope more people who live in Aotearoa reach out for experiences like these. It's so important to learn more about the land that we live in through the lens of our Indigenous people.

I've recommended the tour to artists we are touring through my mahi - they will be heading down to Rotorua in the next few weeks and have a couple of days to spend there so may be able to make the most of it and come along.

Nga mihi nui kia koutou katoa and maraming salamat po ("many thanks" in Tagalog)."

22/02/2026

There are moments in this work that stop you in your tracks. Moments that remind you this is so much more than a tour.

It is connection. It is whakapapa. It is wairua.

Recently, one of our manuhiri from Germany sent this message to our beautiful guide, Destiny, after experiencing Whirinaki Forest Footsteps:

"Dear Destiny, I would like to send you my warmest regards. In November we went on an unforgettable hike with you through the rainforest. It was an unforgettable experience for us. My wife recently said how nice it would be if Destiny could join us at the table from time to time. As of today, that is possible — we hope you agree. With fond memories, and warmest regards from Cologne."

Alongside their message was a photo. A framed portrait of Destiny, now hanging beside their dining table — a permanent place in their home, and in their lives.

This is the greatest honour a guide can receive.

What our guides share is not scripted. It is not rehearsed. It is not manufactured.

It is real.

It is the lived expression of Te Ao Māori — of manaakitanga, of aroha, of deep connection to whenua and to people.

Our guides do not simply walk visitors through a forest. They open a doorway into our world. They share their stories, their truth, their identity — and in doing so, create space for others to feel, to understand, and to belong.

This is the power of authentic Indigenous tourism.

We are endlessly proud of our people. Their humility. Their strength. Their ability to carry our tūpuna with them, and to create connections that transcend time, distance, and borders.

From the ngahere of Whirinaki, to a dining room in Cologne — this is the reach of wairua.

This is who we are.

Ngā mihi nui e Destiny. You carry us beautifully.

22/02/2026

When you receive messages from guests like this...

"Please also convey my deep thanks to Hare and Destiny. This was the most meaningful experience I have had in New Zealand. My heart is full of the green wisdom of the forest and the generous warmth and kindness of our hosts. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Blessings"

29/11/2025

More stunning feedback for our beautiful whanau who carefully and respectfully guide our manuhiri through the sacred realm of Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane.

Arrive as strangers. Leave as whanau.

29/11/2025

We are blessed to have such beautiful people working for us...

"I would like to thank Haare Wiremu for the wonderful experience during the Whirinaki Forest Footsteps.

The forest itself was already overwhelmingly beautiful, but through his profound knowledge I became aware of things that had previously been invisible to me.

He spoke with great love about his people and our shared history from the period before the modern era. A story that truly gave me food for thought...

Once again, thank you very much for this special experience!

Met vriendelijke groet,"

28/11/2025

The most beautiful customer review, we wanted to share:

"Whirinaki Forest Footsteps is not just a tour—it is a sacred journey into the heart of Aotearoa’s living heritage. From the moment we met our guides, Matua Hare (Harry) and Destiny, we were welcomed into their family with a karakia (prayer).

Welcome Ceremony:
Hare performed a call of welcome and asked permission for us to enter the forest. We participated in the hariru (handshake) and hongi (pressing nose and forehead together), symbolizing the joining of ha (breath) and mauri (life force). This was not a performance—it was a sacred rite.

Walking the Forest:
Destiny taught us about the five chiefly trees and medicinal plants in the Whirinaki. We experienced the peace of Forest Bathing and finished our walk in silence, listening to the forest.

Cultural Teachings and Kai:
Hare met us with a beautiful lunch (kai) and hot/cold kawakawa tea (medicinal native plant). He played guitar and sang as we ate. The atmosphere throughout the day was one of sharing knowledge and customs reverently and joyfully,

A Sacred Gift:
Hare performed an unplanned karakia (prayer of blessing) for two of us who possessed a taonga (personal treasure of spiritual significance). This was a priceless gift that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

A Hidden Treasure:
We ended by viewing ancient stone carvings depicting the migration story—something not viewable to the general public.
On the hour drive back to Rotorua, Hare had the whole bus laughing and singing songs.

This experience is a must for anyone seeking to connect deeply with the land, its people, and their own spirit. Don’t miss this chance to walk the sacred path with guides that make you laugh and feel like family."

28/11/2025

Kia ora e te whānau — we are so excited to share that our brand new Whirinaki Forest Footsteps website is officially LIVE!

Everything has been updated, refreshed, streamlined and beautifully aligned with our Kohutapu Lodge website — creating one powerful, cohesive home for our kaupapa. And honestly… it looks stunning.

We are moving from strength to strength, and it’s all thanks to the incredible support from our manuhiri. The feedback we’re receiving is next-level — our guides are on, our drivers are on, the forest is alive, the birds are loud and abundant, and the healing vibration of Whirinaki is something you truly have to feel for yourself.

From forest bathing, to reconnecting with nature, to walking beneath the towering rakau rangatira… it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

And now — with our new website — visitors can find us easily, explore our experiences, and book online with ease.

PLUS… exciting new developments for our Forest Tours are coming soon — so watch this space! The next chapter of Whirinaki Forest Footsteps is about to unfold.

In the meantime… dive into our new site, have a browse, and let us know if you're ready to experience the magic of Whirinaki Forest Footsteps.

A huge mihi and shout out to our brother Brad at "SHOT Creative" for creating such a beautiful new website.

Ngā mihi nui e hoa!

Nades, Karl & The WFF Whanau

Walk with Māori guides through New Zealand’s ancient Jurassic Podocarp rainforest.

04/11/2025

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04/11/2025

Our Whirinaki Forest Footsteps season has started with gentle mornings beneath rakau rangatira, laughter on the trails and hearts slowed to the rhythm of the ngahere.

Our passionate kaiarahi share real and genuine manaakitanga - medicinal plants, chiefly trees, personal stories, songs and knowledge of Te Ao Maori.

Don't just see the forest. Feel it.

🌱

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