Explore the beauty and culture of Auckland’s southern region with Tūhono Exchange’s South Side Day Tours. Based in the Franklin and Hamilton areas, our tours take you beyond the ordinary, from historic coastal settlements and black-sand beaches to lush farmlands and vibrant Māori communities. Led by local guides, each journey offers authentic storytelling, local kai, and connections to the people and places that make these areas some of Aotearoa’s best hidden treasures.

A perfect blend of adventure, history, and scenic wonders. From coastal views to hidden gems, all in one unforgettable day.

Karaka Lavender Farm, Hamilton Ōolong Tea Rooms & Hamilton Gardens Tour

A relaxing, sensory and culturally enriched day experience.

This peaceful and immersive day tour blends nature, wellness, and culture, perfect for groups wanting a calming yet enriching experience. Enjoy lavender fields, premium teas, and one of Aotearoa’s most iconic garden destinations, all woven together with meaningful elements of te ao Māori.

Stroll through stunning lavender fields on a guided walk, with plenty of time for photos and browsing boutique lavender products, including lavender ice cream. We share kōrero about Māori rongoā (traditional healing), including native plants used for wellbeing and the connection between natural landscapes and holistic health today.

Relax at the elegant Ōolong Tea Rooms and enjoy premium teas and light refreshments in a tranquil café setting. We incorporate kōrero about manaakitanga (hospitality) and the cultural values behind gathering together to share kai and conversation, connecting this experience to Māori perspectives on hosting and caring for guests.

Explore the award-winning themed gardens, including Te Parapara, Aotearoa’s only traditional Māori productive garden. Wander freely or choose a guided experience through favourite spaces such as the Japanese Garden of Contemplation, Chinese Scholar’s Garden, Indian Char Bagh, and more. At Te Parapara we highlight traditional Māori gardening practices, maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar), and ancestral methods of cultivating kai through the seasons.

• Return transport from Auckland
• Entry to Karaka Lavender Farm
• Lavender field walk & free time for shopping
• Visit to Hamilton Ōolong Tea Rooms (tea & light refreshments included)
• Entry to Hamilton Gardens
• Guided commentary focused on Māori culture, rongoā, manaakitanga & maramataka
• Professional driver/guide
• Photo opportunities throughout the tour
• Duration: Approx. 8–9 hours
• Departure: Auckland CBD – 8:00 AM pickup, returning around 5:00 PM
• Cost: $389 per person
• Tour only runs Friday-Sunday

Waiuku & Awhitu Peninsula Explorer

A cultural, coastal and historical journey through South Auckland & Franklin

This full-day experience blends history, Māori culture, dramatic coastlines, and rural charm. Perfect for groups wanting an authentic and meaningful connection with the stories of the land, the people, and the environment.

Begin your adventure with a guided hikoi through Waiuku’s stunning pine forest, making your way toward the beautiful Waikato River. Along the way, we share kōrero about the original iwi and hapū of the region, including Ngāti Te Ata, offering meaningful cultural insight into the whenua (land) and waterways that hold great significance to this area.

Next explore Waiuku’s historic streets, heritage buildings and waterfront before enjoying a group lunch at the iconic Kentish Hotel, New Zealand’s oldest licensed pub. Your guide shares stories of the town’s early Māori and European history, local legends, and the strong presence and whakapapa of Ngāti Te Ata in the area.

Visit the dramatic black-sand west coast, known for its rugged cliffs, rolling surf and deep cultural significance. Hear kōrero about traditional Māori travel routes, kai gathering, and navigation by land and sea, and learn why these spaces remain important to local iwi today.

Travel along the quiet and scenic Awhitu Peninsula, a place of rolling farmland, sheltered waters, and panoramic views Visit the historic Manukau Heads Lighthouse for stunning views of the harbour entrance while learning about, ancient Māori settlements and waka routes, whakapapa stories connected to the harbour, the cultural importance of the Manukau Heads, the historic Orpheus shipwreck and iwi involvement in rescue efforts.

• Return transport from Auckland
• Waiuku forest and Waikato River walk
• Guided commentary focusing on Māori history & local stories
• Lunch at the Kentish Hotel (set menu for groups)
• Visits to Waiuku township, Karioitahi/Hamilton’s Gap & Awhitu Peninsula
• Entry to Manukau Heads Lighthouse
• Professional driver/guide
• Photo stops throughout the day
• Duration: Full-day tour, Approx. 8–9 hours
• Departure: Auckland CBD – 8:00 AM pickup, returning around 5:00 PM
• Cost: $389 per person

• See our gallery for photos of some of these stunning places in our tours