North Island - History of NZ Christianity
Our tour to discover the richness of history of Christianity in New Zealand starts in the north and weaves its way down the North Island taking in our unique melding of cultures along the way. This can be a stand alone tour or paired with a follow-on tour in the South Island. Each stop we have the opportunity to meet new people and share our faith…. how your tour flows is entirely in your hands. We hope to share some of the below experiences with you and your congregation soon.
DAY 01: AUCKLAND
Tour starts in Auckland, New Zealand. We will provide time for fellowship, time for laughter, time for learning, time for worship and time for prayer - but most of all, time for God.
Today we will visit several historic churches in the Auckland region to explore the bustling Auckland of faith, before our welcome dinner.
DAY 02: AUCKLAND - OMAPERE
After breakfast and devotions in our hotel, we enjoy a short city sightseeing tour with its spectacular views of sparkling waters, the Sky Tower (pictured) and the Harbour Bridge which show you why Auckland is known as the City of Sails.
We then travel towards the north, via the Matakohe Kauri Museum and through the Waipoua Forest to arrive in the stunning Hokianga Habour.
DAY 03: OMAPERE
Today we visit the great sand dunes of Hokianga (pictured). Early Māori camp sites are evident along with the small, smooth and colourful stones known as Gizzard stones. This afternoon we visit the Mangungu Mission House. Completed in 1839, this Wesleyan Mission house hosted the second gathering to discuss the Treaty of Waitangi and the signing of.
This evening we undertake a guided tour of the Waipoua Forest where we experience ‘Omapere Footprints’ at twilight where tribal history and stories are shared.
DAY 04: OMAPERE - PAIHIA - OMAPERE
Enjoy a catamaran ride to the Hole in the Rock and a visit to Russell where the first missionary Rev. Samuel Marsden preached Christianity in 1814. We also have a guided tour of Pompallier Mission and Printery. Pompallier is where French Catholic Brothers translated religious text (Church Latin) into Maori when New Zealand was becoming a British Colony, printed it and bound it into beautiful books. We will visit Christ Church, one of the oldest existing churches still used for its original purpose.
We visit Waitangi and head to the township of Kerikeri where two of New Zealand’s oldest buildings are the only survivors from the Church Missionary Society’s 2nd Angli-can Mission founded by Rev. Samuel Marsden. We visit The Kemp (Mission) House and the Stone Store.
DAY 05: OMAPERE - ROTORUA
Today we farewell Omapere and head south to Rotorua. Enroute we will stop in the Waipoua Forest to plant a Kauri tree in recognition of our visit. Your afternoon in Rotorua is free for you to explore.
DAY 06: ROTORUA
Today we explore Rotorua! Ohinemutu’s historic timber St Faith’s Anglican Church (pictured) is our fist visit. It One window features an etched image of Christ wearing a Maori cloak as he appears to walk on the waters of Lake Rotorua. We also include the famous Government Gardens, Redwood Forest, Rainbow Springs and Te Puia Thermal Village.
Tonight prepare to be entertained by a traditional Maori Hangi and cultural show.
DAY 07: ROTORUA - TAUPO - WELLINGTON
En-route to Taupo we stop at the Waiotapu Mud Pools close by the highway, we view the mighty Huka Falls and then journey along the Lakeside to Tongariro, a major shooting site for Lord of the Rings, and then onward to our capital city, Wellington.
DAY 08: WELLINGTON
Today we spend a day in lovely Wellington visiting the breathtaking Old St Paul’s Church (pictured), the New St Paul’s Cathedral as well as Parliament or Te Papa Museum, as you choose. This evening you will start your journey homeward or perhaps on to another destination.
Godspeed on the next leg your journey.
Our tours are completely bespoke dependent on the wishes of the group, so please use the above as a guideline for what is possible on a New Zealand tour of the North Island exploring the beginnings of our faith in Northland and discovering Christianity in our regions.
Contact us today to discuss a Fellowship Tour for your next spiritual journey.
