Māori Culture

Discover the birthplace of Māori tourism, the ultimate destination in New Zealand to immerse yourself in the rich traditions, customs, and beliefs of the indigenous Māori people. Engage in captivating cultural tours and performances that provide a profound insight into the historic lifestyle, mythology, art, and entertainment of the Māori past and present. Witness the spine-tingling traditional pōhiri (welcoming ceremony), hear the hauntingly beautiful call of the kuia (female elder), and learn to dance with poi or perform the powerful haka. Experience the unique flavour of a traditional hāngī (steam-cooked meal) as it’s unearthed before your eyes.

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ahu Boutique - Adrienne Whitewood

Māori Culture, Central

Inspired by Māori art and culture, Adrienne Whitewood takes traditional concepts and invents unique silhouettes exploring fabric manipulation and technology. Her ethos is about creating wearable clothing for women who want an emotional connection to what they're wearing. All designed right here in Rotorua.

Buried Village of Te Wairoa

Māori Culture, East

New Zealand’s most-visited archaeological site where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption come to life.

Geyser By Night at Te Puia

Māori Culture

When darkness falls, the true love story of the city's geothermal wonderland comes to life.

Hamurana Springs Nature Reserve

Māori Culture

Discover the beauty of Hamurana Springs at your own pace or be guided by a descendant of the Ngāti Rangiwewehi people who first migrated to the area in the mid-1300s. Enjoy the stunning natural elements and cultural stories that make this such a magical place.

Hell's Gate Geothermal Park & Mud Spa

Māori Culture, East

Hell’s Gate is Rotorua’s most active geothermal reserve and New Zealand’s only mud spa complex.

Kahukiwi Experiences 4WD Culture Tour

Māori Culture, Central

Based in the sacred Te Takinga Marae in Rotorua, Kahukiwi Experiences offers a never-before-seen window into the landscapes, ways of life and heritage of the Ngāti Pikiao tribe. Discover the true essence of Aotearoa – discover Kahukiwi.

Mitai Māori Village

Māori Culture

By entering the world of Mitai Māori Village you will embrace the history and culture of our people through the migration story of our ancestors, the Ngāti Ohomairangi people who voyaged across the Pacific Ocean more than 2,000 years ago and arrived in New Zealand.

Mountain Jade

Māori Culture, Central

In the heart of Rotorua's city centre, just a short walk from the must-see Government Gardens, Mountain Jade artists are absorbed in their craft, passionately hand-carving New Zealand pounamu with love and dedication. They invite you to come and discover the stories behind their carvings and step inside the studio for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience.

Ōhinemutu Māori Village

Māori Culture

Connect with the culture, people, history and landscape that have made Rotorua the incredible place it is today.

Puawai Jade

Māori Culture

Puawai Jade is a pounamu/greenstone carving workshop and gallery showcasing a range of beautiful jewellery, carvings and artefacts that are all made on site.

Rotorua Museum: Outside the Walls Historical Government Gardens Tours

Māori Culture

Discover Rotorua's rich culture, volatile landscape and legendary figures in this must-do FREE tour around the famous Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens.

Te Pā Tū

Māori Culture

Journey into the heart of Māori culture, an experience you will never forget!