From the city to the beaches and bush...
and beyond

Their’s is a relatively new enterprise. But those who steer this venture are bright, bubbly and making a big impression on Auckland’s tourism scene.

Guide Peter Davies with two clients who had just completed waterfall abseiling on a private farm in Muriwai

Founded by Melissa Crockett and Bianca Ranson in February 2004, Potiki Adventures Ltd offers a refreshing blend of culture and outdoor experiences in a region which both women know so well.

Melissa studied Maori art and traditional culture at Auckland University and Bianca was one of the first Maori women ever to become a qualified outdoor instructor.

They are both proud of their Maori heritage - they trace their ancestry to Ngapuhi and Ngati Kahu - and have combined their love for the breathtaking environments in the greater Auckland region with their desire to showcase the beauty and relevance of the indigenous culture.

They believe it is their privilege to introduce their manuhiri (guests) to the traditional knowledge and toanga (treasures) handed down from their ancestors, but frame it through the perspective of young urban Maori.

Their innovative blend of traditional and contemporary Maori culture is presented on the whenua (land) through the use of outdoor activities such as bush and beach walks, visiting historic Maori sites or for the more adventurous, waterfall abseiling, kayaking and other activities. Anyone participating in a Potiki adventure can be sure of a great experience - for both Melissa and Bianca are great storytellers.

Co-directors Melissa Crockett and Bianca Ranson with Roberto Mitrotti, host of the CBS travel show ‘Compulsive Traveller’.

On any one of their adventures, guests can expect to hear the creation stories, learn about the Maori Gods, find out about traditional tikanga (protocol), hear the beauty of spoken Te Reo Maori (indigenous language) or find out why an activist chopped down a big, dominant tree on One Tree Hill.

Potiki Adventures specialty is providing outdoor adventure from a Maori perspective in Auckland. The company is currently the only operator providing such experiences in that city.

Its tours provide an opportunity for those whose visit to Aotearoa New Zealand involves only a stop-over in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) to gain an appreciation of the indigenous Maori culture of this country.

“Auckland’s not a city in which overseas visitors would expect to experience Maori culture,” Melissa says.

“What Potiki Adventures does is help visitors scratch the surface and realise the special history of the beautiful landscapes in and around this city.

“Travellers can experience beautiful coastlines, lush forests and stunning sunsets in a variety of locations around the world. What they can’t experience is the perspective and beliefs of the tangata whenua, the People of the Land.

“The traditional beliefs and myths make sense when you are walking on a wild windswept beach and you can see and feel Tawhirimatea, the God of the Wind, battling it out with Tangaroa, the God of the Sea.”

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POTIKI ADVENTURES LTD
Phone + 64 021 422 773
or 021 146 2372
E-mail:melissa@potikiadventures.com
Website: www.potikiadventures.com