About Us
Northern War Tours operate historical tours in and around the Bay of Islands in Northland, New Zealand. Our tour focusses on the battles between Māori and the British Military, and the life of European settlers in the early 19th century.
The Northern War was an important part of New Zealand’s formative story, which most Kiwis are not aware of. It was a brutal, intriguing, and significant period in New Zealand history. Learn about this significant aspect of our past, amid some of the most stunning land and seascapes in Aotearoa – from an expert.
Your tour guide:
Peter Johnston
An ex NZ Army officer in the rank of Major and former senior high school history teacher, Peter’s iwi is Ngati Kuri / Te Aupouri. As a NZ Army Education Officer he was based at Waiouru and Linton where he instructed on communication skills, leadership, international relations and military history for officer cadets, and promotion courses for officers. He also served as a civilian Education Officer in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces before returning to high school teaching. In his early years he was a tour guide in Europe and had a special interest in the battlefields of the Western Front, taking small groups to the Somme, Passchendaele, and Amiens where New Zealanders fought.
For the last 20 years Peter has been taking tours to the battle sites of the NZ Wars, and his special interest is the Northern War of 1845 – 1846. Semi retired and in acknowledgement of his tupuna, he continues his passion for the North to enhance knowledge of a war and way of life for both cultures that is not as readily known as other NZ conflict. See Pete’s “Life on the Frontier” series on Facebook.
“Without a doubt, the most enjoyable tour I’ve ever done. We’ve never had so much fun, nor learned so much on a tour, an experience so insightful and immersive, you’ll feel transported back to when it happened. Fun, informative, interesting, and all through the most amazing scenery. Stories are told with passion and knowledge, you can’t help but get caught up in them. Whether you are a history nut or not, I can’t recommend it enough!
— past students, 2020