For a great insight into Māori customs and way of life, sign up for this magical, entertaining and educational cultural experience.
The Mitai Māori Village gives you and your family the chance to experience Māori food, art and traditions. The tours are not only educational, they are also very impressive and enjoyable.
The village is best known for its magical evening tour and dinner performance, but various day-time tours combined with nature activities also let you explore the traditional Māori lifestyle on display in the village.
The Ancient World Daytime Guided Tour is a great 1.5-hour introduction into Māori culture. Listen as your local guide explains about Māori folklore, Polynesian history and traditional medicine. Learn about the local flora and fauna, and find out how Māori men and women used to catch and prepare their food back in the day.
Try the Mitai Māori Village Experience for similar insights into Māori life, combined with a cultural evening show and traditional dinner. Watch in amazement when Māori warriors arrive in a war canoe, a gripping performance filled with dance and song. Take a nature walk with a guide to see glow worms, then witness how a traditional “hangi” meal is prepared and cooked for you. While you enjoy this feast, be mesmerized by the famous Māori “haka,” a war dance. You may have seen a similar demonstration of power from the All Blacks rugby team before a game.
You also have the option to combine a couple of tours and excursions. The Beauty by Night Combo Experience combines the Village Experience with a visit to the Rainbow Springs Nature Park to discover the nocturnal native birds, including kiwis. Sign up for adventure with the Spirit Mountain Combo Experience, which includes an all-terrain buggy excursion. The Mitere Mitai Combo Experience gives you a chance to learn about both historical and modern Māori culture.
The Mitai Māori Village is situated about 3 miles (5 kilometres) to the north of Rotorua. Free parking is available on site. Transfers to and from your accommodation in Rotorua are included in the evening experiences. The traditional village is open daily except Christmas Day. Fees apply for all tours and experiences. Booking in advance is required.
