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
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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 - 6.15pm (Oct-Apr)
Pickup included
Te Pā Tū - 5.00pm (Oct-Apr)
Pickup included
Te Pā Tū - 6.15pm (May-Sept)
Pickup included
Te Pā Tū - Māori cuisine
Pickup included
Te Pā Tū - 7.30pm (Oct-Apr)
Pickup included
Te Pā Tū - 5.00pm (May-Sept)
Pickup included
Reviews
1,413 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Special experience
ORYITZHAK N,
Sep 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing experience. The family was very really nice, they taught us all their traditions with great dedication. It's an honor to be hosted like that. We had amazing traditional dances and singing, and the food was very good. A must visit.
Amazing Experience
Jacinta O,
Aug 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00The Te Pa Tu Cultural Experience and food was amazing! Really enjoyed learning so much about their culture and spirituality! They all had such amazing voices it gave goosebumps. The fire ceremony was also very powerful. Highly recommend!
Absolutely awesome!...
Carol S,
Aug 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00Absolutely awesome! Wonderful experience and very informative. Make sure you arrive with an empty stomach!
Definitely recommend!
Nicole C,
May 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00This experience was informative, fun and a wonderful dining experience. Everyone was extremely friendly, helpful and funny.
Wow! Absolutely Amazing!
Britany T,
Apr 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00This entire experience was so educational, interactive and insightful. I learned so much about the Māori history and culture. I am so grateful. Booking was very easy. The communication was great, providing clear instructions leading up to the time of pick up and during the bus ride over. Once we arrived, we witnessed a traditional welcome then we were able to entire the village and learn about different aspects of the culture. Following our cultural experiences, we had a traditional Māori dinner which was delicious. I highly recommend Te Pā Tū if you want an authentic Māori evening in Rotorua
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