Te Ara Whakatipu

Te Ara Whakatipu (The Pathway of Growth - Martins Bay) is a cultural connection program that aims to strengthen cultural identity, competence, and confidence through engaging with Te Ao Tūroa (the natural world). Set in the majestic Whakatipu Waitai (Hollyford Valley), the program strengthens understanding of Ngāi Tahutanga and cultural identity, connection to nature, and whanaungatanga (relationships). The key purpose of this hīkoi is to engage Ngāi Tahu rakatahi and pakeke through exploration of their connection to self, to Ngāi Tahutanga, and to the natural environment. A founding belief of this program is that connecting with Te Ao Tūroa enriches connection to cultural identity. The program includes Mahinga Kai values and practice, Ngāi Tahu culture and heritage, Ngāi Tahu reo, waiata and haka, completing physical challenges including the 21km walk in/out of the Hollyford Valley, outdoor skills including navigation, group management and safety, and Rongoā Māori. The Whakatipu Waitai was specially chosen because of the cultural heritage and importance of this wāhi taonga, which was once a traditional settlement with trails that linked ancestors on Te Tai o Poutini with those in Ōtākou and Murihiku.