Maori Cuisine, Cultural & Wilderness Experience
A unique Maori cultural experience, an authentic traditional culinary pleasure
Aotearoa is our place. We know its mountains, rivers, landscape and sea; its culture, whakapapa, heritage and soul, its wairua. All of this is inherent because the land and the people are interconnected. Here in the central North Island, Te-Ika-a-Maui, we are tangata whenua; people of the land.
And it’s our joy to share this paradise with anyone who wants a magnificent natural wilderness experience peppered with new knowledge, great food, storytelling, excellent company and if you want, a little adventure too. We get you to the essence of our Maori culture and help unpack its treasure, our taonga, in a one size fits one experience of discovery. We fit the journey to you on, every level.
Tamau Pa, 700 metres above sea level on the rim of the Taupo basin, is a base for Kai Waho – accessible only by air, or an exhilarating four-wheel-drive off-road trek. Here is Tuwharetoa tribal land, stunning sub-alpine forest, remote, rich in culture, abundant in food and exclusively yours to explore with the careful guidance of the Kai Waho team, led by Tom Loughlin – host, chef, gatherer, and caretaker, kaitaiki, for this special part of New Zealand.
As your host, Tom is warm, generous and loves a yarn – that’s Kiwi for sharing stories – and giving time. Our website is a window on this world, but it’s not the whole story because we want you to discover it.
The Maori phrase Kai Waho can be translated as outdoor cuisine. It can also describe a master, or teacher, of the ways of the wilderness. For guests at Tamau Pa, on the beautiful tribal lands of the Tuwharetoa iwi, both these meanings merge in an unforgettable and unique cultural, food and wilderness experience.
“Ko te mahi o te Ariki, ko te aroha me te manaaki”
“The service of a high chief is the compassion and caring for the people”
We look forward welcoming you as our manuhuri (guest) and sharing our knowledge and passion with you.
“It’s all about the experience and talking with people who understand the land and the culture.”
— Kevin
“A perfect Maori experience, more than I could have hoped for. Perfect cooking, perfect company and amazing landscape views. An exceptional host.”
— Kathryn
“Thank you Tom for inviting us to your special place. Your passion will live in our hearts forever.”
— Pete
“Very cool experience with lots of great adventure, food and exceptional company! Bliss.”
— Marguerite
“It was really great we are so glad to spend this time with you. Thanks for getting a chance to know some beautiful customs of Maori people and to taste the food , to share this amazing place with you.”
-Mikhail
“Real pleasurable experience. Mountain bike here & out. Hangi awesome, company even better.”
- Simon