Culture thrives and history lives during this memorable look at New Zealand's development as a nation as seen through the eyes of the Maori. This illuminating excursion begins with a drive to Kerikeri, site of New Zealand's oldest standing European building. Built for Reverend John Butler in 1821, it has the protection of the Historic Places Trust. You'll continue to maori marae (meeting house) where you'll be greeted with a traditional powhiri (welcome ceremony). You'll be awestruck as Maori elders explain the carvings adorning the marae and relate their traditions, which extend to the first Maori migration from Polynesia over centuries ago. Next, you'll drive to the Puketi Forest. Once a vital part of Maori lives, its plants and animals provided food, shelter and clothing. A guided walk along a boardwalk through the magnificent forest of hardwoods, podocarps and kauri affords you the opportunity to marvel at these imposing trees.