A very special experience with a “living treasure”,this is an excursion that should not be missed. Who better to recount the local history and stories but a 7th generation local.... read more Respectful of the Māori narrative, Marie weaves human endeavour, geological activity and recent ecological initiatives into a feast of information that held us enthralled for the afternoon. We are planning a return trip to Akaroa, and hope she will have a Part 2 itinerary for us then.

  We took our two kids with us on this tour with Marie.they are 12 and 14. Originally the tour was because I have a familial French connection to the Akaroa... read more area. The kids were way more into it than I thought they would be and asked lots of questions which Marie answered willingly and with enthusiasm. I think the positivity that Marie maintains toward the future of the environment and the planet was catching and my children felt a flicker of hope to discover through the tour just how much some people are doing for the planet they love. Josie

  We joined Marie’s tour after a chance meeting with her at the Benmore Dam lookout earlier this year. And what a tour. We had a warm welcome outside... read more of the old post office on the main drag. Here she outlined where she would be taking us and the focus for the tour. Then off we set travelling beyond the wharf along the coast road to learn about some of the Maori history of the area and it’s significance in the overall NZ context. We then moved on to European history in Akaroa in which her family history played a significant part. Some yummy scones for morning tea in the reserve overlooking the town provide the transition from the history to the nature aspect of the tour. Background on native plant restoration on the peninsula was then followed with a trip over the hill to learn the story of Hugh Wilson’s efforts over decades to start and expand the Hinewai Reserve. Beautiful native bush supplanting the bare land and gorse to give a ‘summit to sea’ reserve. It adjoins farmland that has been in Marie’s family for generations. What sets this tour apart is the detail of information and Marie’s passion for the area. She interweaves her own family story and philosophy into the tour and the business name is intertwined into this. Thanks Marie

  We enjoyed an excellent tour with Marie this afternoon. The tour certainly lived up to the high ratings of previous customers. We would recommend the three hour tour, which allows... read more Marie full scope to set out her fascinating historical, cultural and ecological insights. Her storytelling begins with the geological origins of Banks Peninsula (26 million years ago) through to Maori settlement, the arrival of British and French settlers, the Treaty of Waitangi, farming practices (ecological decline and restoration), and much more. Marie herself is a seventh generation local family member, and this shows in both the passion and the realism she brings to her wide ranging tour. A delicious home made picnic at Akaroa Heritage Park, with stunning views of the Harbour, topped off a most memorable afternoon.

  My husband and I enjoyed a fantastic tour with Marie. Her knowledge of the history of Akaroa, and the wonderful way she shared it, made it a very special occasion.... read more Marie is warm and friendly and the few hours with her were relaxed and entertaining but also very informative. The ecological aspects were also fascinating and all of it was delivered in a spectacularly beautiful corner of New Zealand.

  We had an amazing tour with Marie on Saturday.. We had had spent a lot of time when we were young in Akaroa, and have family links going back to... read more the first French Settlers. Marie had in-depth knowledge of the early history of Akaroa, right back to Maori in the 1300s and the English and French settlers. The scenery as we drove around was spectacular.

  Our family spent a beautiful autumn day learning about the early history of Akaroa from Marie. Her deep connection to the Banks Peninsula was evident not only in her knowledge... read more of the past but also her vision for the future. She brought the whole landscape alive by weaving her stories of the lives of real people onto a canvas of ancient geology, coloured by changes to ecosystems as a results of human habitation. While Marie’s tour will be of interest to any visitor to the Banks Peninsula, no matter where in the world they’re from, she is a particularly valuable resource to kiwis of all ages interested in the rich history of their own country. Thanks Marie, for giving us a day to remember.

  The tour was called Araroa HIstory Safari. It was one of the best experiences my wife and I have had . A small tour group .Marie’s personal connection to the... read more history and storytelling ability made it truly enjoyable and fascinating. I would highly recommend it. A true 5 star

  Booked this tour thru Princess Cruises. My wife and I were the only participants that December 2019 day. Marie was personable and very knowledgeable, giving lots of historic and... read more natural historical detail. We were able to modify this tour to accommodate personal wishes or to

  Booked this tour through Princess Cruises. Great tour. Very informative. Marie was very knowledgeable, personable, and made everyone feel at home. Learned so much about the... read more history of the area. Scones and tea were wonderful as well as the views.

  My husband, teenage son, and myself enjoyed this 3 hour tour with guide and driver, Marie. She enthusiastically shares the stories of the people and places around Akaroa based... read more around her own early settler family history and conservation efforts. She made us feel very much at

  The tour was conducted by Marie Haley who has extensive knowledge of the culture, history and geography of the area. She is personable, friendly, and makes terrific scones. ... read more Her appreciation of the culture of the area is easily translated into her story telling (true stories of