Whakarongo mai and haere mai – for it is time to don your walking shoes and join the kaiārahi (tour guides) from Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, to explore significant Māori public artworks in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Many of these breath-taking installations are inspired by Waihorotiu, the stream that, over millions of years, has carved the valley we now call Queen Street, once a vital waterway that provided fresh water and sustenance to the first people of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Meet in the foyer of The Hotel Britomart (29 Galway Street) and wend your way around the nooks and crannies of the central city before completing your one-kilometre hīkoi on the volcanic slopes of Rangipuke, Albert Park.

Having feasted your eyes, it will now be time to fill your puku at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki where delicious contemporary Māori kai is on the menu, an array of dishes specially designed to weave with the themes of the hīkoi.

Designed by Hāngi Master Rewi Spraggon and Masterchef winners Kārena and Kasey Bird, the kai will be in hot demand with dishes that include delicious hāngi pie, steaming mussels and slow-cooked pork belly.

Hāngi Pie by Hāngi Master, Rewi Spraggon

Hāngi pork, chicken, potato, kūmara, pumpkin, cabbage in pastry - $10

Kai Kōhua Boil-up designed by Kārena and Kasey Bird

Hāngi pork belly, kūmara, fondant, watercress and bacon broth - $25

Kūtai with bacon and watercress butter by Kārena and Kasey Bird

Green-lipped mussels, bacon and watercress butter, toasted sourdough – $26

To ensure your adventure is as enjoyable as possible, do please remember to bring wai (water), sunscreen and an umbrella or raincoat – just in case, it is Tāmaki Makaurau after all, so whā seasons in one day should be expected.

Headsets will be provided for ease of hearing, and please arrive 15 minutes before departure time, to receive your headset and listen to a short safety briefing. Numbers strictly limited to 15 per group.

Elemental AKL ​

$2 per hour to a max of $12 on weekends and a $12 flat rate for weekday evenings at The Civic car park. Find out more

Last updated: 08 June 2021