Overview
Mobile ticket
Māori Cultural Experience: Living Taonga
Taonga is the Māori word meaning treasure, or something prized. Māori culture is a living taonga of Aotearoa New Zealand.
At Auckland Museum, immerse yourself in Māori culture with a powerful performance led by esteemed indigenous artists and orators. Experience the beauty of traditional waiata (songs), the skill of poi, and the enduring spirit of the Māori people through storytelling and dance.
Discover the origins and meaning of the world-famous haka, a commanding ritual that showcases strength, unity, and identity.
Your ticket also includes general admission to Auckland Museum, where you can explore world-class exhibits on natural history, New Zealand heritage, and treasured taonga (cultural treasures).
This authentic cultural experience is perfect for travelers seeking a genuine introduction to Māori traditions and history.
PLEASE NOTE: Māori Court & Pacific Galleries are temporarily closed due to essential maintenance work.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Auckland Museum
In this immersive experience, be introduced to Māori culture by a group of esteemed indigenous artists and orators. Our Māori Cultural Experience will take you on a journey. You will hear beautiful songs, see incredible poi skills in action and learn about the endurance of Māori people throughout history. Discover the origins, traditional uses, and differences of the well-known and powerful ritual – the haka. This unique, enriching experience is not to be missed if you’re seeking a genuine insight into Māori culture. General Admission Tickets to the Museum are included with this booking.
Options
Māori Cultural Experience & Auckland Museum General Admission
What‘s Included
General Admission entry to Auckland Museum
Māori Cultural Performance ticket
Special exhibition entry for ticketed exhibitions
Guided tours
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
112 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Auckland Museum - An Absolute Must See
Wendy07B,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Museum is an absolute joy to visit. It is impressively set out, exploding with interesting and informative experiences. The Māori theatre display was moving, beautiful and inclusive. Don’t miss it!
Must see
Fishy A,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What an incredible experience! The energy is absolutely real and all consuming. I have a new understanding of how groundied we all are to our ancestry. Thank you!
Experiencing the Māori Tradition
Christine M,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was intimate, spiritual, powerful, lovely and unforgettable. Something to be experienced, felt, remembered and treasured rather than documented. Loved it.
A Beautiful Cultural Experience
Connie H,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a perfect introduction to Maori culture. We went on our very first day in Aetaroa, New Zealand. The program is enlightening in how to be respectful of sacred spaces, people and customs. This is not simple entertainment, even though it is entertaining, but an authentic and beautiful cultural experience. Do not miss this opportunity.
Great experience
Mihir S,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great Experience- not to be missed Best to understand the reports and meaningful lessons - Thank you for taking us through.
Speaks to the deep...
Jennifer C,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Speaks to the deep spirituality of Maori culture and offers a brief glimpse into their cultural traditions.
The Māori Cultural Experience is Excellent!
782mailel,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Māori Cultural Experience at the Museum was excellent! The mana'o shared provided depth of understanding of Tāmaki Makaurau (which, unfortunately, is called Auckland) and the impact of colonization on the Māori. We felt and shed tears for our kūpuna when they shared a song honoring their tīpuna. This is a must-do when you visit the Museum.
Wished we hadn’t gone
Navigate29959429861,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We took a group of US senior school students & regretted that this was their introduction to Māori culture. We had gone to this experience about 10 yrs ago & unfortunately it has completely changed. The tone was quite aggresive & intimidating. Hardly welcoming. I am a NZer, on the te reo journey and been part of many events on marae. Have always felt welcome. Not so here. Would not recommend.
The cultural experience...
Aaron P,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The cultural experience was interesting and I did learn a good bit from this. There is a lot to see in the museum. All in all, I was pleased with the experience.
Informative insight into...
Sandra G,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Informative insight into the Maori culture. Beautiful traditional songs and music, narrator was easy to listen to and very interesting. A relaxing and informative trip. Thank you
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