Your Authentic Northland Māori Experience
For many visitors, coming to Aotearoa brings a desire to understand Māori culture and Tikanga Māori beyond the symbols, performances and landmarks. Te Ao Māori lives in the stories, relationships, traditions, whenua and whakapapa that connect people to one another and to the land.
There is a difference between being shown a culture and being welcomed into someone’s world. Tu Tika Tours was founded in 2017 with the aim of offering visitors a unique perspective through an authentic personal connection. Through genuine kōrero, personal stories and a warm welcome, Rangimarie shares her culture with honesty and heart.
The heart of Tu Tika Tours
Tu Tika Tours began with a vision to create a Northland Māori experience that goes beyond observation. Today, Tu Tika Tours is led by Rangimarie Harding, a proud descendant of this whenua with a deep connection to Te Tai Tokerau.
The journey that began as a family tourism business continues with the same purpose: to share Māori culture with honesty, depth and integrity while honouring whakapapa, whenua and the stories of her people.
It is about creating space for visitors to listen, learn, ask questions and connect with Māori culture through genuine kōrero and meaningful experiences.
Ko Wai Au | Who am I?
Kia ora, I’m your host Rangimarie, the storyteller and owner of Tu Tika Tours.
I live in Whangārei with my five tamariki and my mokopuna. My whakapapa ties me deeply to this whenua. Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi — Ngāpuhi is my tribe, and is the place that holds my history, my stories and my identity.
It’s my mission to provide visitors with a truly authentic connection to me and my home by promoting whakawhanaungatanga – building ever lasting relationships through shared experiences.
I share the culture, history and traditions of my people through genuine kōrero, personal stories and meaningful experiences. My hope is that every visitor leaves with a deeper understanding of Te Ao Māori and a lasting connection to the whenua.
Ōku Uara | My Values
Everything I share through Tu Tika Tours is shaped by the values that guide my life and the way I welcome others:
Whānau
The foundation of everything. The relationships, connections and sense of belonging that shape who we are.
Whenua
The land that connects us, holds our history and carries the stories of generations before us.
Tikanga
The values, customs and ways of living that guide how we respect and honour each other.
Manaakitanga
Caring for people with warmth, generosity and genuine hospitality.
Kaitiakitanga
Caring for the land, the water and the people with deep respect, repsonsibility and connection. Voted the most beautiful word in the world.
Why Tu Tika Tours is different
Rather than following a script or giving a standard presentation, I allow the day to unfold naturally with space for kōrero, curiosity and shared moments. Small groups make this possible. Guests can ask questions, hear personal stories and engage with our Māori culture in a way that feels real and unhurried.
Every journey is different because each group, every question and kōrero brings something unique. What matters is how you experience the day, and the connection that develops between us all along the way.
Come as visitors. Leave as part of the Tu Tika whānau.
Tu Tika means Stand True
Tu Tika reflects the integrity, respect and commitment that guide your unique tour experience. Through genuine kōrero, cultural learning and heartfelt manaakitanga (hospitality), Rangimarie welcomes you to experience Te Ao Māori in a genuine and meaningful way.
Deepen your connection with Aotearoa, book a tour of Whangārei and see it from a Māori perspective.