Māori Culture

Discover the birthplace of Māori tourism.
 
Haere mai ki (welcome to) Rotorua, the ultimate destination in New Zealand to immerse yourself in the rich traditions, customs, and beliefs of the indigenous Māori people.
 
Rotorua offers an array of awe-inspiring and authentic Māori cultural experiences like nowhere else. 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.
 
Step into the world of Te Pā Tū, where you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey through Māori history, culture and cuisine. Participate in ancient rituals, witness traditional crafts and practices, and enjoy an exquisite hāngī feast, all within the stunning backdrop of native forest.
 
Explore Te Puia, home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and the awe-inspiring Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, you’ll learn about the fascinating world of Māori carving and weaving, witness geothermal wonders, and experience authentic cultural performances that will leave you spellbound.
 
At Mitai Māori Village, you’ll be transported back in time. Experience the enchanting glow of the sacred spring, see warriors in traditional dress paddle their waka (canoe) down the Wai-o-Whiro Stream, and enjoy a cultural performance followed by a delicious hāngī dinner.
 
Discover the ancient Whirinaki Forest with Whirinaki Forest Footsteps. This guided tour offers a deep connection to the land, showcasing the pristine beauty of the forest and the rich Māori heritage that thrives within it. Learn about native flora and fauna, hear stories of the ancestors, and feel the spiritual essence, or wairua, of this sacred place.
 
Experience the stunning beauty and cultural significance of Lake Tarawera with Totally Tarawera. This tour combines scenic wonders with Māori storytelling, allowing you to explore the lake’s hidden gems and learn about the world-famous volcanic eruption that reshaped the land and its people.
 
Visit Hell’s Gate, Rotorua’s most active geothermal park, where you can witness boiling mud pools, erupting waters and hot springs. Learn about the healing properties of the geothermal mud and waters, and relax in New Zealand’s only therapeutic mud baths while soaking in the Māori legends and history associated with this unique landscape.
 
Guided walking tours through the historic Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village offer personal insights into the rich history of the people who have inhabited this geothermal area for more than 200 years. Today, nearly two dozen families continue to live in the village, utilising the same geothermal resources as their ancestors.
 
No matter which experience you choose, Rotorua promises a journey that will leave you deeply enriched and inspired. Come and explore the birthplace of Māori tourism and create memories that will last a lifetime.