“Once upon a time we turned out marching bands and street parades. This year we are inviting New Zealanders to come and explore the ancient voyaging traditions that shaped our nation’s story — and that is something quite special.
“The open days are a chance for everyone in our community to come and see the Tuia flotilla, explore the waka, va’a and tall ships, and think about what it would be like to live on board.
“The crews of these vessels can’t wait to meet our community and share their stories and knowledge with you all.”
The voyaging Tuia flotilla would come in from Tuahine Point and Tuamotu Island before sweeping around the bay and coming ashore at Te Waiohiharore (The Cut) for a mass pohiri for the Pacific va’a and waka hourua on Saturday (October 5). Pohiri 101 workshops have been running to ensure everyone feels comfortable to take part in the welcome.
On Sunday (October 6) there will be a chance to meet the crews who crossed the Pacific, tour the vessels, listen to their stories, take part in workshops and watch presentations at the Tuia 250 Te Moananui Flotilla Open Day in the inner harbour.
Free hop-on hop-off buses will run from the Kaiti and Elgin areas from 9.30am or people can park at the train station and catch the free Wa165 steam train for a more traditional journey to the inner harbour. The buses and train will run continuously throughout the day. The road into the inner harbour area will be closed.
On Tuesday, October 8, the tall ships, including the HMB Endeavour replica, the R Tucker Thompson and the Spirit of New Zealand will arrive.
The ships will be greeted by the waka hourua and va’a, and they will berth together.
Everyone is encouraged to pack a picnic breakfast and watch their arrival from vantage points around the city beaches. Get there early to greet the new day. There will be food vendors and family-friendly activities along the Oneroa walkway.
On Wednesday (October 9) there will be a family fun open day in the inner harbour and a chance to again make the most of the free transport on the buses and steam train Wa165 to arrive at the inner harbour.
Other activities during both open days will include free Pacific voyaging education and stardomes, where people can learn about celestial navigation — the art and science of finding your way of the sun, moon, stars and planets.
There will also be a chance to join the crews of Ngahiraka Mai Tawhiti and Haunui waka who will demonstrate Maori astronomy and the navigation techniques of the earliest Te Moananui a Kiwa Pacific Ocean voyagers.
The Tuia Matauranga Education Roadshow will also offer an immersive experience.
There are free trips to Rangiwhaho Marae to understand the cultural contribution of Ngai Tamanuhiri to the histories of Aotearoa.
As well as free activities, there will be other activities including trips on the MV Takitimu tugboat and waka hourua, creative outdoor education workshops with the Waikereru Wild Lab, and guided tours of the Waikereru Ecosanctuary, which will have some cost attached and will require booking.
