Maori Culture

Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and hot bubbling mud pools is the Living Maori village of Whakarewarewa situated in Rotorua, the heart of the North Island. Discover our unique lifestyle and traditions. Join a guided tour and see the wonders of Mother Nature and learn how we have come to live in harmony within this unique environment.

Waikite Valley Thermal Pools is a unique place to go to experience the ‘Living Waters’ of the Te Manaroa Spring, the largest single source of 100% pure boiling water in New Zealand. These very waters cascade into our main splash pool (35-38C), adjoining toddlers beach area and the sit and soak pool (38-40C) also, our new luxurious Tranquil Garden pool. We have new changing rooms with toilet and shower areas for families and the physically challenged.

Unforgettable experiences where the theatre brings tribal and historical stories of Rotorua to life in an entertaining yet eductional way. A lighter more humorous touch to traditional Maori culture. A Kiwiana Roast Buffet is offered and during your dinner you will learn the secret of 'the kumara' which tells the origin of the Maori people

Tamaki Heritage Experiences presents The Chronicles of Uitara, a powerful story of the Maori culture and of New Zealand, told across many generations of a single family – the warrior line of Uitara. As well as being a series of published books, two of the three stories in the trilogy have now been created as amazing live encounters for you to experience! They are Journey of Ages in Rotorua and Lost in Our Own Land in Christchurch. In each story, we experience new landscapes, new characters, new villains and heroes. Courage and determination, love, loss and family – these are the backbone to The Chronicles of Uitara. Book now and you are promised an award-winning, moving and very special experience.

Personalised tours of Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty region. Can arrange activities for small groups, such as, kayaking, walking and mountain biking. Homestay accommodation that offers dinner and entertainment available.

Tamaki Maori Village, South Pacific’s gateway to the world of ancient Maori and proud warriors. Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. Enjoy the night’s festivities with us as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Maori way, rediscover the Maori village as it comes alive to the sound and activities of tribal songs, dances, myths and legends and browse throughout the largest after hours tribal market place in Rotorua.

New Zealand Traditional Maori Weddings, the truly unique and emotional Wedding experience of the South Pacific. Our romantic themes and spectacular sacred locations have been carefully chosen creating an atmosphere of excitement and romance.

An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. Enter the world of Mitai. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream, and don’t miss your only opportunity in the Rotorua area to see glow worms in their natural habitat.

Matariki (winner of the Cultural Experience category at the 1997 NZ Tourism Awards) is a Rotorua based partnership which promotes and delivers Maori Cultural entertainment, experiences and services by way of: wero, karanga, powhiri, whaikorero, waiata, action songs, poi, stick games and haka. Matariki is contracted to the Royal Lakeside Novotel Rotorua Hotel to provide the nightly Hangi and Concert experience. Matariki also delivers the daily midday cultural performances at Te Puia under the name Te Kunenga o Rotowhio.

A truely unique Cultural, Geothermal, Health and Spa Attraction. The most active geothermal field in the Rotorua region of New Zealand where visitors can wander at their own leisure. Visitors can also experience and indulge in an authentic mud bath, relax in a sulphur spa, experience a traditional Maori massage (mirimiri), mud facial and a full mud body scrub/mask.