The nature meets culture experience starts with a nature walk in Otanewainuku forest (between Rotorua and Tauranga). This is a stunning forest, home to giant trees, a fantastic community organisation that has established a strong kiwi and kokako population in the forest. The focus is on community conservation.

You then enjoy a delicious lunch at Mount Maunganui and then check out NZ’s favourite beach.

After this there is an interactive presentation with Todd Couper. Todd is a Contemporary Māori artist who specialises in wood carving and sculpture. He has forged a unique style and direction in carving, with commissioned pieces residing in collections both locally and internationally. Todd shares his story of how his nature and culture inspires his art practise. Check out his work here http://www.toddcouper.com/images

Rotorua is located in one of the most geothermally active areas of New Zealand with geysers and bubbling mud pools. Don’t worry about the smell of rotten eggs – it’s only naturally occurring hydrogen sulphide and you soon get used to it!