"My favourite part of the trip would definitely have been visiting the Maori Marae. It was so cool meeting the people there and learning about their culture. I'm so glad to have had this opportunity." - Sarah, USA48|49

The Ngati Hinerangi people - a subtribe (Hapu) of Rotorua's Te Arawa tribe - have generously opened the doors of their Marae to Topdeck and its guests, giving travellers a very rare opportunity to experience and learn about Maori culture and the people of Ngati Hinerangi.Hosted by the crew from Multi-Day Adventures, visitors are welcomed in the traditional manner and spend an evening taking in the local culture and the beauty of the area. There is also the opportunity to talk and ask questions in a relaxed and informal way inside the Whare Tipuna (Ancestral House) of the Marae.The Maori Marae Project has been beneficial to all three parties involved. Multi-day Adventures is able to fulfil its heartfelt commitments to support its local community, and extend a great opportunity for their guides to increase their knowledge of Maori culture, sharing this with our Topdeck guests. Taheke Marae has been able to build a new Whare Manaaki (Hosting House) using funding the Whanau has raised, along with the kohas (donations) supplied to them for sharing their Marae, thus realising their goal much sooner than anticipated. Finally, Topdeck visitors are offered a genuine off-the-beaten-track experience, providing a unique encounter not found in any brochured products.The Marae is kept alive and thriving by housing people, who are its heartbeat and lifeblood. Many a visitor to Taheke Marae can now say they have left a special part of themselves there, as well as taking away something special in return.On behalf of Multi-day Adventures and Ngati Hinerangi, we thank Topdeck for helping us share our culture with the world. It is through the understanding of others that we may keep it alive for future generations.SUPPORTING CHRISTCHURCHOn February 22 2011, Christchurch was rocked by a devastating earthquake that claimed the lives of 181 people and caused billions of dollars worth of damage to the city centre. Not only does Topdeck visit Christchurch on their trips, many of our passengers and staff are Kiwis. The disaster struck close to our hearts, so we wanted to help anyway we could. This is how the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal came about. Dozens of generous businesses donated prizes for a special charity auction and raffle organised by the Topdeck head office in London. With the help of our suppliers, agents, the Walkabout pub and the hundreds of people who turned up on the night we managed to raise over £11,000 for the Red Cross to help with the rebuild of Christchurch.Christchurchmaking a difference.