Haere mai ki Te Wharekura.
A place to learn, connect, and reflect.
Nau mai, haere mai. Te Wharekura is a kaupapa Māori learning space where you’ll find mahi toi (art), kōrero tuku iho (ancestral stories), and the values of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei — shared in the heart of the city.
The Story of Te Wharekura
Te Wharekura is based inside a 108-year-old heritage kiosk, located beside the downtown ferry terminal. It’s named after Te Wharekura-a-Manukapua — the original whare that held sacred taonga brought by our ancestors from Hawaiki.
Today, this whare continues to share knowledge and values tied to whakapapa (ancestry), identity, and kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the natural world), guided by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
Guided Tours and Experiences
Guided City Tour – New!
Walk through the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau with kaumātua Piriniha Te Whenua Reweti.
This guided tour visits key cultural and historical sites while sharing kōrero tuku iho (stories handed down) from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
Schools & Education
Interactive visits designed for tamariki and rangatahi, with a focus on te taiao (the natural world), ahi-kā (connection to place), and the stories of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
For primary, secondary, and tertiary ākonga (students).
Workplaces & Teams
Tailored for businesses, organisations, and workplace teams wanting to grow their understanding of Māori values, leadership, and connection to whenua.
An engaging way to build stronger teams through shared learning and reflection.
See Tāmaki Makaurau Through the Lens of Mana Whenua (people of the land)
This is more than a tour — it’s a haerenga (journey) through the stories that shape Auckland.
You’ll visit places like Te Komititanga, Emily Place, and Te Toka o Apihai Te Kawau, guided by the voice and presence of mana whenua (people of the land).
For visitors and locals
Whether it’s your first time in Tāmaki Makaurau or you’ve lived here all your life, this experience offers something meaningful for everyone.
Led by Mana Whenua
Walk alongside a respected elder of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, whose kōrero brings the city’s past and present to life.
Grounded in history, culture, and community
Each stop on the tour shares kōrero (stories) about people, history, and purpose — through the eyes of mana whenua.
Captured Moments
Images that capture the sights, smiles, and stories from Te Wharekura and our guided tours.
Come Visit or Reach Out
Got a pātai (question) or want to book for a group? We’re happy to help make it easy.
Opening Hours
Friday - Saturday 10am -4pm
What to Bring
- Umbrella (if it looks like rain)
- Phone and camera
- First aid kit for groups