Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, its blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre.
Te Pā Tū offers 3-hour evening events that change with each season of the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.
Across summer, Tū Te Rā celebrates an abundant harvest, and we explore concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace.
Throughout winter, Tū Te Ihi marks promise heralded by the arrival of the Matariki star cluster which high and bright in winter skies, signalling the new lunar year – we share the energy and passion of this celebration.
Cultural knowledge unique to each season is shared from the outset – rituals, songs, stories and continue across the night. From the beginning too, we share local, seasonal kai - plentiful and delicious. Kai horotai (indigenous canapes) is followed by a torch lit walk to a lavish 3-course fusion feast.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Camera and Video usage is permitted throughout the entire evening experience.
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
PLEASE RECONFIRM YOUR BOOKING 24 HOURS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Māori Cultural Performance
Traditional welcome ceremony
Māori fusion feast
Air-conditioned vehicle
Return transport from central Meeting Point
Gratuities
Alcoholic Beverages
What To Expect
Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 3.5 hours of celebration and feasting. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pā (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar. Tū Te Rā – Summer Harvest Celebration (October - April): Across this lunar phase, the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tū Te Rā celebrates abundant harvest and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace. Tū Te Ihi - Winter Matariki Celebration (May - September): \ Tū Te Ihi includes the time in the earth’s cycle when Matariki stars are high and bright in winter skies. Te Ihi references the energy and passion stirred by the Matariki cluster and the promise they herald.
Options
Te Pā Tū - 5.00pm (Oct-Apr)
Pickup included
Te Pā Tū - 6.15pm (Oct-Apr)
Pickup included
Te Pā Tū - 6.15pm (May-Sept)
Pickup included
Te Pā Tū - 7.30pm (Oct-Apr)
Pickup included
Te Pā Tū - 5.00pm (May-Sept)
Pickup included
Te Pā Tū - Māori cuisine
Pickup included
Reviews
1,477 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
If this is your first time learning about Maori culture, THIS IS THE BOOKING TO GET.
andrewaL1097YG,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first time visiting New Zealand, and my girlfriend and I wanted to learn about Maori culture. This event had everything, I don't want to do any spoilers but it was a LOT of fun. We really felt at home with the culture and we took a lot of wisdom back with us.
Excellent in every aspect
Rachel L,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a combination show and tell, stage performance, and dinner experience. I was worried it would feel a bit touristy and like I was gawking at someone else’s culture but it was the complete opposite. The whole experience is designed and operated by an extended family and they have done a great job of mixing explanation, performance, and cultural sharing together into a welcoming and informational activity (plus a delicious dinner!) If you could package up all the best parts of being a guest at someone else’s holiday dinner table, but with more history and explanation, this is what you would get. Absolutely recommend this for anyone visiting New Zealand from elsewhere.
Good Value - One Stop Shop Experience
wombat2002,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A lot of thought has gone into the pacing and content of the experience. I was really impressed as I am usually bored at times during experiences but this one was spot on. The different aspects to the evening incorporate everything you would want to get an introduction to Maori culture and be entertained at the same time. The staff are very talented and giving their best efforts and it shows. My guest and I loved it and I highly recommend it.
Had an amazing time at Te...
Carmina R,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had an amazing time at Te Pā Tū! We learned so much about Māori culture, and the whole experience felt really meaningful. The performers were all great — entertaining, talented, and so full of energy. The food was delicious too! Honestly, it was totally worth it. I’d highly recommend this to anyone visiting New Zealand. It’s an experience you’ll definitely remember.
Brenda USA
Brenda A,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great show and dinner. It is a very interactive experience. We enjoyed the singing and the performances of all the members. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area wanting to know more about the Marori culture.
A wonderful cultural...
Jack A,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful cultural experience with lots of interactive learning and really great food. The hosts were amazing and everything was very seamless.
An amazing evening!
Susan H,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kia.Ora! We had a fantastic time learning about the Maori culture! We really enjoyed learning as you shared your knowledge at the rotating sessions. Everything was very well organized and fun. The entertainment was great too!! So many talented people. Dinner was delicious!! I highly recommend this event.
Amazing experience!
Matthew C,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00They were all very welcoming and did an amazing job of showing the many different facets of their culture. Every single person was amazingly talented and the fact that it was put on by a real family made it that much more special.
1000/1000 amazing
andreacW2215XA,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was by far one of the best I had in this beautiful country. Everyone’s energy and enthusiasm made the experience even better and my friends and I loved to know more about their wonderful culture
Can Not miss the experience
Getaway03530718997,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was a very beautiful experience from the pick up at the gathering point till the entry into the village the tour guide Baden make sure we were having a good time and fun fact about the village. Once we reach there the dance and the welcoming was impeccable. The education about the village and at every point we were offered one snack that was impressive The Mouri culture is intriguing . We loved our every minute of being there and it ended with dinner. I would recommend everyone to make one trip to this village. If you are in Rotorua. The only thing that could improve is taking care of the vegetarian meals. Despite informing them much in advance That there is one vegetarian in the group. The meal wasn’t served on time, but the overall experience was fabulous.
From NZ$270.00
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