Our Story

Tapuwae Tours is proudly owned and operated by Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Auckland’s original Māori iwi (tribe) inhabitants and tangata whenua (people of the land), with a deep and enduring connection to the lands, waters and islands of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Tīkapa Moana, the Hauraki Gulf.

Our name, Ngāi Tai, translates to ‘people of the tide’, reflecting our identity as a maritime people shaped by the sea, navigation, harvesting and living in harmony with the natural environment.

For generations, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki have maintained a profound relationship with the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, particularly Rangitoto and Motutapu. They hold immense historical, cultural and spiritual significance and are the foundation for many of the stories, traditions and knowledge that continues to be shared today.

We invite you to experience Rangitoto, Motutapu and Tīkapa Moana through our perspective, discovering not only spectacular landscapes, nature and wildlife, but the deeper connections between people, place, history and heritage.