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 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.
What‘s Included
Māori Cultural Performance
Traditional welcome ceremony
Māori fusion feast
Air-conditioned vehicle
Return transport from central Meeting Point
Gratuities
Alcoholic Beverages
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
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
Te Pā Tū - 6.15pm (Oct-Apr)
Pickup included
Te Pā Tū - 5.00pm (Oct-Apr)
Pickup included
Te Pā Tū - 6.15pm (May-Sept)
Pickup included
Reviews
1,580 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent demonstration...
Karen K,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent demonstration of Maori culture and customs. We learned a lot and it was also very enjoyable.
A wonderful evening
ChrisThompo1,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful and highly memorable evening!! What a welcome! Thank you for sharing an insight into the maori culture.
Fantastic evening of Māori entertainment
RAKdec,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic evening of Māori workshops, culture, singing, dancing and eating. All the participants were enthusiastic and really passionate about giving out their best.
A maori experience
Randi P,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Interesting and entertaining introduction to the Māori culture with opportunity to take part in some typical Māori traditions. Includes a three course dinner with great tasting food.
Awesome culture and people
Tracey D,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00From the minute we boarded the bus we began our journey to understand some of the Māori cultural and customs truely wonderful people
Powerful performances and a beautiful focus on family
Jason R,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an outstanding cultural experience from start to finish. The storytelling, explanations, and setting were all engaging, but what truly stayed with me was the emphasis on family, connection, and passing traditions through generations. The final performances were incredibly powerful. The singing was strong, emotional, and moving, and the haka was intense, proud, and full of passion. You could feel how deeply rooted this culture is and how much it means to the people sharing it. Authentic, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Incredible Experience with a Focus on Maori Culture
Sarah H,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience FAR exceeded my expectations! I thought it would be like a luau where we sat and watched the show while we ate too much. Instead, we were guided through an immersive experience and learned so much about the culture of the Maori people. Then we were treated to an extraordinary performance with unbelievable singing and demonstrations of traditional dancing and haka (like a pre-war dance). It was amazing. The meal was good, too, and I liked that it wasn't rushed. The entire experience was incredible, and I can't recommend it enough!
It was great! Came to...
Lori A,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was great! Came to Rotorua specifically for this experience, and it was worth it. Learned a lot .
Worth Visiting
253jijud,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Value for money, We enjoyed especially the dance and songs. Also the culture of the tribe. The presentation was very natural.
Awesome evening in Rotarua
Coastal40078243691,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderful evening and I highly recommend this experience to anyone who enjoys a lovely feast and learning about the Māori culture. The Chief and his family are incredible hosts, don't miss out!
From NZ$270.00
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