Maori Culture

Discover Rotorua

This is your invitation to experience the essence of this extraordinary slice of New Zealand. Manaakitanga is a deep-rooted concept in New Zealand's Maori culture. It places a responsibility on us, as your hosts, to give you the very best of ourselves, of our time and of our history. In this heartland of Maori culture, you'll be spell bound by the stories of this land and its people as they're relayed through dance, song and craft.

Te Puia

A promise of a sacred, spiritual and personal encounter with the land, and the artistic treasures of old and with our Maori people. Your guide or artisan in the carving and weaving schools are linked to generations of hosts who have led visitors through Te Whakarewarewa. Share with the Maori people the warmth and generosity of spirit known as Manaakitanga, of caring and sharing.

Tamaki Maori Hangi & Concert - Highly reccommended

Each evening we take you back in time to experience pre-European New Zealand.

Walk through the forest village before it's spiritual melody is broken by the blood curdling cry of the challenge. Walk through the re-created village as it comes to life.  Enjoy the light hearted humour of well informed guides and the magic taste of a traditionally cooked feast from our earthen ovens. Soak up the atmosphere of the largest after hours tribal market place in Rotorua.

Enjoy the night’s festivities with us as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Maori way

Five times winner of New Zealand’s heritage and culture award and Tourism's overall Supreme Award Winner offering you a journey you will always remember.

Mitai Maori Village - Highly reccommended

An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe.  Enjoy a traditional hangi and concert. 

Add the optional extra tour of Rainbow Springs after the show to see the glow-worms, tuatara lizard, trout pools and the kiwi roaming at night - called the 'Rainbow Combo'.  Marvel at the crystal clear water full of eels and trout, flowing directly from the earth at the sacred Fairy Spring. See your traditionally cooked hangi meal being lifted from the ground. During our cultural performance, you’ll learn about our past, carvings and ta moko (tattoo art).

The Mitai family is proud to have created a sacred and spiritual place that offers you an indigenous cultural experience like no other.