3 Tours to Start Your Norfolk Holiday The Right Way!

In case you’re planning a vacation to Norfolk, here are three of the most popular Norfolk tours among tourists from across the world. Norfolk is a small island, but before some people knock it off as a one-day visit – there’s a way and a style to experience it, and it’s relaxed. Norfolk is not whistlestop, oh no. It’s got a lot of history – some interesting, a lot intriguing and stormy – and the locals take pride in showcasing their unique mix of British and Polynesian culture and identity. So, the island has a plethora of tours that people can show up for, from culture, cuisine, history, geography, farming, animal husbandry and even gardening!

Now, most Norfolk holiday deals and packages include an introductory island tour, so we’re not going to talk about it. If your holiday doesn’t… maybe it’s time to give your holiday provider/ aggregator a stern talking-to. The introductory island tour is nice because; it gives the lay of the land for first-timers and refreshes repeat visitors’ recall of what they might’ve missed on their last time. But… moving on.

1856: The Untold Story: Starts from 7:30 p.m; Tuesdays and Saturdays

On June 8, 1856, the boat Morayshire reached the shores of Norfolk with 194 drenched and tired people aboard. They were descendants of HMS Bounty, sailing all the way from Pitcairn Island. Within just five soul-crushing weeks, the boat – with 40 men, 47 women, 54 boys, and 53 girls – covered mind-numbing, staggering 3,700 nautical miles (6,000 km) and landed at Norfolk; which on that day was harsh, chilly, and rainy!

The people were homesick, heartsick, and seasick as few of them had ever been on a ship before. The island was deserted, and they made out towards shelter, which was the island’s deserted prison camp, reserved for the ‘worst of the worst’! It had been abandoned some years before, and it reeked of memories, disrepair and spectres.

As guests traverse the Kingston region following the families’ progress, this Norfolk tour gives a snapshot of the settlers’ experiences, their homes, and how they made Norfolk Island their home.

Island Fish Fry Tour – With Self-Drive/ Transfers

Like any island destination, Norfolk fishermen are blessed with plentiful catches with quality that rival most Michelin-star restaurants. Sign up for an Island Fish Fry Tour, where you’ll get to sample traditional island cuisine made with ‘catch-of-the-day’ fish and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in a picturesque outdoor setting.

The Norfolk tour guide will highlight how the people based their cuisine reduces ‘food miles’, boosts ‘paddock to plate’ freshness and how it all comes together in delicious Norfolk fare. Oh, and you’ll be serenaded by an entertainer and island dancers! Hot Tip: A pre-show supper here is ideal before seeing the 1856: The Untold Story tour.

Norfolk Island Cultural Tour

Norfolk is a melting pot of cultures; this tour shows travellers the why and how of it. The Norfolk Island Cultural Tour proudly showcases the region’s rich and diverse heritage, starting all the way back to Polynesian and Tahitian foremothers – to the Bounty Mutineers and newer settlers. The tour also highlights the effects of religion on Norfolk’s society, the charms and challenges of settlers joining the community from all over the world, including African Americans, American Indians, the Irish, the English, as well as the Sami and the Maoris from New Zealand. 

Travellers are welcomed to an island home steeped in history, filled with gratitude towards ancestors who have shaped its culture. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of relics, artefacts and cherished heirlooms. Moreover, they are offered insights into the history and development of local language and customs, the traditional ways of fishing and whaling; the indigenous methods of cooking, weaving and living in harmony with nature. Visitors get to taste authentic flavours, try their hands at weaving – all in an fun environment, and appreciate how these crafts have positively contributed to the community’s identity. The Norfolk Island Cultural Tour does a brilliant job of highlighting how the islanders have evolved through the ages, establishing a sustainable relationship with the earth and water and acting as their protectors and stewards. With so many experiences to offer, this cultural tour is an experience that holidaymakers will not want to miss.

Check out our other Norfolk blogs, and bookmark the page – we’ll be adding more articles on Norfolk tours regularly. Need someone to talk to and bounce ideas for a Norfolk getaway? Our South Pacific Specialists are right here – call us on 1300 991 751!