What kind of explorer are you?

If you're looking for inspiration for your next adventure, you've come to the right place.

Tohu Whenua is a free itinerary to places around the country where you can soak up history where it happened. Whether on foot, waka or wheels - Tohu Whenua has something for every explorer.

Dive into the quiz to find out what kind of explorer you are and get some reccomendations for your next roadtrip.

What draws you to a new destination?

Family friendly activities

Learning about people, places and their stories

Taking in stunning natural landscapes

Opportunities to challenge myself and my fitness

What’s your ideal way to travel?

Driving or walking somewhere easy to access

Wandering through historic towns and museums

Hiking or biking

Via boat, waka or kayak

Which photo appeals to you the most?

Answer 4

Answer 1

Answer 2

DOC_LarnachCastle_HiRES-74_CREDIT Michael McQueen

Answer 3

What about these ones?

Answer 1

Answer 2

Answer 3

Answer 4

How do you prefer to learn about the past?

Through hands-on, interactive experiences

Reading or listening to stories and exhibits

Standing where history happened, imagining the moment

Uncovering traces left in the landscape, like ruins or carvings

With my kids by my side

Ideal travel food/snacks?

A picnic somewhere with a great view

Pastries & coffee at a local café

Fine dining with locally sourced ingredients

Anything caught & cooked by you

Your favourite travel souvenir is a...

Shell/rock from your trip

Locally crafted gift

A book about local history

A photo - memories are the best souvenirs!

Almost there!

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The Story Seeker

You’re captivated by tales of the past and love uncovering the human stories that shaped Aotearoa New Zealand. Museums, historic towns, and cultural landmarks are your playground.

A few Tohu Whenua sites you'll love:

Arrowtown - Discover the Chinese Settlement, soak up the Lakes District Museum and Art Gallery + don't miss out on the award winning cafē and restaurant options in the gorgeous tree lined streets.
Brunner Mine - By the 1880s, Brunner Mine was the largest coal producer in the country and you'll need to allow at least an hour to discover the mining history on info panels that are found throughout the historic brick factory, coke ovens and coal wagons.
Kororipo Heritage Park - Home to the iconic Stone Store, Kororipo Pā (the seasonal home of Chief Hongi Hika), Kemp House (NZ's oldest standing building) and Te Ahurea - an interactive pā site set along the banks of Te Awa o Ngā Rangatira, the River of Chiefs.

If you'd like more ideas/inspo for your next adventure, connect with us here:

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The Wild Wanderer

Adventure is your middle name! You love active exploration, whether hiking through rugged landscapes, biking historic trails, or climbing to breathtaking views.

For you, every journey is about more than just the destination, it’s about the experience. You relish the sound of gravel underfoot, the scent of fresh mountain air, and the satisfaction of conquering a challenging trail - while soaking up history where it happened along the way.

A few Tohu Whenua sites you'll love:

Rākaumangamanga Cape Brett - 8 hour hike or 35 min water taxi to this spectacular destination that has been a point of arrival for early waka and seaplanes alike + the Cape Brett Hut is available to book for just $25 per night.
Otago Central Rail Trail - A Kiwi classic, the Rail Trail is a 152km journey that travels the wailway line that once connceted isolated communities in Central Otago to Dunedin. Scenery, rural hospitality and big open skies.
Ōkārito - Kayak the ancient lagoon for a breathtakingly close experience with over 70 species of native birds, take your pick of beautiful scenic walks (the Ōkārito Trig Track is our favourite) and book a night at the Ōkārito Schoolhouse that was built in 1901!

If you'd like more ideas/inspo for your next adventure, connect with us here:

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assets_images_phocagallery_kauri-1-april-2011114-jack-levell_DSC-0462

The Water Wanderer

You feel most alive by the water. Whether kayaking along ancient Māori trading routes, sailing through the Bay of Islands, or exploring coastal pā sites, you connect with history through the rhythm of waves and waterways.

A few Tohu Whenua sites you'll love:

TSS Earnslaw - An iconic experience for all ages, this 90 minute cruise on Lake Wakatipu will take you to Walter Peak High Country Farm where you can book a guided farm tour and/or horse trek - or a gourmet bbq lunch or dinner.
Ōkārito - Book a kayak or exo boat tour of the ancient Ōkārito lagoon to get a breathtakingly close experience with over 70 species of native birds - including the rare kōtuku/white heron that often feeds here.
Huriawa - Book a Māori Waka experience for a 2 hour guided tour on the Waikouaiti River where you'll be immersed in the customs, stories and traditions of the past and spend some time at Ohinepouwera (the spit) where a 200 years planting plan is underway to replace exotic species with native plants. Perfect for families and groups of all sizes.

If you'd like more ideas/inspo for your next adventure, connect with us here:

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TIKTOK

Ōkārito, West Coast 25 ( credit Liz Carlson) (5)

The Team Player

You’re all about creating shared memories and making history fun. Whether you’re picnicking in a historic park, exploring an interactive museum, or wandering through a cultural site, you’re drawn to places where history comes to life in fun and accessible ways.

You seek experiences that inspire curiosity in every generation, from storytelling sessions about NZ's past to hands-on workshops where explorers of all ages can try something new. Outdoor adventures like easy bush walks or guided heritage tours are perfect for creating shared memories while uncovering the stories behind the scenery.

Tohu Whenua sites you'll love:

Pompallier Mission and Printery - Just a few steps from the beachfront, you + your friends and whānau will love the hands on book binding acticities on the Pompallier Printery guided tour.
Otago Central Rail Trail - Not only will the rail trail get you and your fellow explorers outdoors, this is an experience with chances to soak up history around every corner. The 152km ride has several entry points along the way + some sweet swimming spots and great country pubs.
Historic Reefton - Mountain Biking, Milkshakes & more! Reefton was the first place in the southern hemisphere to supply electric street lighting and it now supplies a great mix of galleries, gift shops and a chance to mine with the "bearded miners."

If you'd like more ideas/inspo for your next adventure, connect with us here:

FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK