Te Ara Whai
Te Ara Whai translates to the path of the stingray — a name chosen to honour our kaitiaki, the whai. The stingray is a kaitiaki in many indigenous cultures, moving gracefully through the ocean depths, symbolising guidance, protection, and quiet strength.
Te Ara Whai carries the essence of kaitiakitanga — the responsibility to nurture, uplift, and walk alongside others — as you move through a process of deep healing and personal transformation.
We are a proud Māori-owned business based in Aotearoa, guiding small groups of Kiwis to Istanbul for bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Our tours go beyond travel and information — we offer guidance, support, laughs and informative conversations throughout your transformative journey, led by a compassionate, husband-and-wife duo who have also experienced this path themselves.
From the moment you get in touch with us, we’re with you every step of the way — supporting you through KiwiSaver withdrawals (if needed), organizing travel and hospital arrangements, and offering emotional support and guidance throughout. You won’t be doing this alone. We provide a safe, nurturing environment where whānau values and world-class medical care come together to support your healing and growth.
Our Values
Inspired by the graceful stingray, te whai, our values guide every journey we take. A symbol of navigation, strength, and kaitiakitanga, each part of the stingray represents a principle that shapes how we care for our clients — from the first kōrero to the safe return home.
Our values reflect a holistic wellbeing approach, drawn from both te ao Māori and Te Whare Tapa Whā:
Ūpoko - The Head
Clear Vision, Wairua
We lead with knowledge, preparation, and purpose. We honour our responsibility to guide you with clarity, integrity, direction, and cultural safety. Wairua flows through all we do — connecting us to our whakapapa, our clients, and the deeper purpose behind every journey.
Parirau - The Wings
Support, Tinana
Your physical wellbeing is at the heart of this journey. From preparation and surgery in Istanbul to healing and support at home, we help you navigate safely. We ensure you’re well cared for by professionals and provide wraparound support for rest, nutrition, and movement.
Kōpū - The Belly
Connection, Whānau
The kōpū (core) represents connection — to whānau, community, and ourselves. We journey as a collective, fostering bonds through trust, whanaungatanga, shared kai, growth and kōrero that will last a lifetime.
Hiku – The Tail
Protection, Hinengaro - Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
Your emotions and thoughts are part of the healing. We offer space to kōrero, to ask questions, and to be vulnerable without judgment. From pre-travel nerves to post-op feelings, we’re with you—providing guidance, reassurance, and mental support.
Te Ara o te Whai - The Journey
Your Legacy, Your Purpose
This is your path. We respect your decisions, your healing, and your future. Te Ara o te Whai represents the trail carved by your courage — a journey of healing, self-determination, and transformation. Just as the stingray leaves a mark in the ocean, your haerenga creates lasting ripples in your life and in the lives of those around you.