The New Zealand Maori Tourism Society Inc was set up in 2002 as part of Tourism New Zealand 's strategy 2010. The society's establishment was a direct response to research which determined that the indigenous culture of a country is a strong motivator and source of holiday satisfaction for interactive travellers around the world.

Maori tourism is gaining momentum nationally as increasing numbers of Maori Regional Tourism Groups and operators take full advantage of the potential which now exists for authentic cultural products and services.

Since the Society began a number of changes have taken place. One change you may recognise is our name. As a gesture of our support to the national body when it was newly formed we gifted to them our name. We are now known as Central North Island Maori Tourism Inc.

Central North Island Maori Tourism is playing a leading role in assisting its members to promote the experiences they offer, and is working with new or potential operators to enter the exciting world of tourism.

To foster the development of Maori Tourism operators in the Central North Island and other regions.