Our People, Our Awa
Ngāti Hinekura stands as mana whenua and kaitiaki of Tieke Marae, guardians of our ancestral lands and the sacred awa that flows through our rohe. Our iwi has maintained an unbroken connection to this whenua for countless generations.
Te Puawaitanga o Hinekura, our wharenui, serves as the beating heart of our community — where whānau gather to maintain our ahikā and ensure our taonga tuku iho are passed on to those who follow.
As kaitiaki, we work closely with conservation partners and welcome visitors who come to learn about and connect with our whenua, our awa, and our people.
Te Puawaitanga o Hinekura
Marae Bookings
Our marae and wharenui are available for cultural events and special occasions. Check availability below, then send us an enquiry.
Availability is indicative. Contact us to confirm your dates.
Plan Your Visit to Tieke
Haere Mai
Getting Here
- Jet Boat from Pipiriki — Contact local operators for bookings to Tieke landing. Journey approx. 45 minutes upstream.
- Waka Journey — Join the annual Tira Hoe or organised waka expeditions down the Whanganui River.
- Walking Track — Accessible via the Whanganui River Road. Contact us for current conditions.
Ā-roto Rauemi
What to Bring
- Essential — Weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, rain gear, personal kai and water.
- Cultural — Koha for the marae, respect for tikanga Māori, and an open heart to learn.
- Overnight — Sleeping bag, personal toiletries, torch or headlamp.
Ngā Mea
Facilities
- Accommodation — Dormitory-style sleeping in our whare. Bookings essential.
- Kai — Meals can be arranged with advance notice. Kitchen available for self-catering.
- Activities — Cultural workshops, guided walks, whakapapa sharing, traditional kai preparation — by arrangement.
Visitor FAQs
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Tieke Marae is accessible only by river or walking track, so advance booking is essential. We recommend confirming at least 4–6 weeks ahead for group visits.
Is there phone coverage at the marae?
Cell phone coverage is limited to none at Tieke Marae. Please ensure your emergency contacts know your plans and expected return time before you travel.
What is the protocol when visiting a marae?
Visitors are welcomed through a pōwhiri. Please wait at the entrance to the marae until called forward. Follow the lead of your hosts, remove shoes when entering the wharenui, and dress modestly.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you can self-cater using the kitchen facilities. We can also arrange catering with advance notice. Please let us know your requirements when enquiring.
Are children welcome?
Āe, absolutely. Children are always welcome on the marae. Please note the river environment requires close supervision of tamariki at all times.
Contact Us
All messages go directly to our kaitiaki team. We aim to respond within 48 hours. For urgent matters, please reach us by email or phone.
Īmēra
operations@hinekura.nzWāhi
Tieke Marae
Whanganui River, Aotearoa
Hui Marama
First Saturday of each month
10:00 AM