What is Tū Māia?
Tū Māia means to stand tall and be brave which we strive towards every day and in everything we do. Tū Māia Tours is committed to sharing our culture with deep authenticity and humble integrity. This allows our guests to step forward with genuine confidence in our exclusive high quality tours. At Tū Māia we honour the ancestors who walked before us and help prepare the next generation who will proudly carry our living traditions and stories to the world”.
Our Foundation & Whānau
At the core of Tū Māia Tours is our partnership built on a lifetime of shared devotion. We have been together for 34 years, we have raised two wonderful adult children and are blessed with a very special mokopuna (grandchild) who brings us joy each day. Having lived our lives right here in Ōtautahi Christchurch, our roots run deep into this landscape and the history of our place. Tū Māia is the natural extension of our collective journey, a true labour of love fuelled by our deep, shared passion for our culture, our people, and our hometown. For us, welcoming visitors to Christchurch isn't just a business; it is a lifelong commitment to honoring our home and sharing its enduring spirit with the world.
Pumamao & Nicole
Meet Our Founders
Pumamao Brennan | Co-Founder
Pūmamao is a highly experienced and innovative tourism professional whose extensive knowledge in Māori tourism is backed by a rich family legacy spanning four generations. He has spent over a decade traveling the world, sharing the spirit of our place with the global travel industry. Alongside his team, he works closely with industry leaders to welcome the world to Ōtautahi Christchurch and the South Island, grounding every experience in world-class expertise. Pumamao oversees the daily operations and unique design of our tour portfolios, from luxury vehicle excursions to innovative, self-guided digital experiences.
Nicole Manawatu Brennan | Co-Founder
Nicole brings an incredible wealth of knowledge, indigenous leadership, and global expertise to the heart of Tū Māia Tours. She has spent years working directly within our community, pioneering cultural frameworks and relational practices that bridge traditional knowledge with modern leadership. Nicole shapes the strategic vision and cultural integrity of our experiences, ensuring our tours are not just sights to see, but transformative stories to be shared.
Lynne Te Aika, MNZM / Principle Partner
Lynne is a highly respected leader, educator and advocate, dedicated to Māori language and cultural revitalization across the school, university, and tribal sectors. Her extensive career is defined by a deep commitment to kaupapa Māori (Māori principles) and the preservation of cultural identity. In recognition of her lifelong dedication and contributions to Te Reo Māori and education, Lynne was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2020. Her legacy can be seen in her two adult sons and three grandchildren which she has written several children’s books about.
