This itinerary features 11 heritage sites from Kaikōura to Timaru. From well-known places like Te Matatiki Toi Ora | The Arts Centre to hidden gems like Awaroa Godley Head, each site tells the story of Aotearoa through the people, places and events that shaped us. 

Tohu Whenua is now active in four regions — Canterbury, Te Tai Tokerau | Northland, Otago and Te Tai Poutini | West Coast — with a vision to grow into a nationwide network of must-visit heritage experiences. 

Start your journey at tohuwhenua.nz. 

Established in 2016, Tohu Whenua is a kaupapa of national significance. Through rich storytelling and educational experiences, the tourism programme helps ensure many historical sites and their taonga are protected for generations to come. 

The sites spotlight the whakapapa of whenua, regional stories from iwi, hapū and communities, and explore innovation sites, while acknowledging places of early contact and change. 

Tohu Whenua offers a meaningful invitation to both locals and visitors: come, learn, listen. By supporting this kaupapa, we help ensure these treasured places are protected, understood, and celebrated well into the future.