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.
Whirinaki Forest Footsteps
Māori Culture, South
A majestic, ancient and spiritual realm. Whirinaki Forest Footsteps is a guided cultural walking tour into the heart of a vast, Jurassic, podocarp native rain forest less than an hour from Rotorua. Hear stories from our Māori guides, as you embark on a healing journey full of discovery.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Totally Tarawera
Māori Culture
Guided cultural and geothermal tours to Te Rātā Bay and Hot Water Beach, including a natural hot pool soak.
Ōhinemutu Māori Village
Māori Culture
Connect with the culture, people, history and landscape that have made Rotorua the incredible place it is today.
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!
Te Puia
Māori Culture
Discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands and Māori cultural centres.