Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Enter the world of Mitai Māori Village and embrace our history and culture. Watch our stories unfold through the dynamic scenes of our warriors paddling down Wai-o-Whiro stream, the melodious sounds of our instruments and entertainment from our performers including the haka. Satisfy your hunger with the traditional Māori Hangi and concluding your evening with a walk through our forest to see the ancient, fortified village learning the old ways of living and survival of our people and discover the natural resource Te Puna a Tuhoe, freshwater spring. The evening is not over until you glimpse the glow worms light up the banks of forest as the veil of darkness sets in.
Nau mai, haere mai, whakatau mai – come and experience our world…
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessibility is limited for the 'bush walk' - exit into the forest is via stairs. Viewing of the waka (canoe) is from a platform and you can go a short distance into the forest to view the old pā (village) and see the sacred spring below the forest. Unfortunately, you will not see the glow worms. (Note: there is some uneven surfaces).
Please note there is a small walk through the forest which has some steps and uneven ground in some areas
Infant seats are subject to availability
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately - warm comfortable clothing and walking footwear
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Mitai Maori Village
Enter the world of Mitai, and learn about the history of this area which was once flourished in villages. See our fierce warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream.
What‘s Included
Hangi served from a buffet alongside other side dishes and dessert
Courtesy transfers from local accommodation providers within Rotorua (limited places)
Participate in a short guided bush walk to learn of the flora and fauna and see glow worms
Spring Water / Tea & Coffee
Māori Cultural Performance
3 hour nightly cultural experience
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Cultural Experience w Pick Up
Hotel Pick Up Included: Summer pickup between 5.45pm and 6.15pm
Winter pickup between 5.15pm and 5.45pm
Hangi Buffet Meal
Cultural Experience: Evening Performance, Guided Tour, Glow Worms and Hangi Buffet Meal
Cultural Experience Self Drive
Hangi Buffet Meal
Cultural Experience: Evening Performance, Guided Tour, Glow Worms and Hangi Buffet Meal.
Pick Up not included. meet at Mitai Maori Village
Reviews
1,362 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not what I expected !
hogg12,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Lighting on walkway down to stream was very poor. Did not get to see the waka coming up the stream, we were at the end of group. Disappointing.
Highly recommend
694sisil,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's a great place to learn about Māori culture. The atmosphere in the evening is wonderful, and the buffet is delicious.
Experience to Remember
Travel06527065434,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So far my favorite NZ experience. Seeing the warriors on the boat was invigorating. The food was beyond delicious lamb, chicken, mussels, prawns and beignets to name a few. Saw glow worms too. Great for all ages. Family owned and you can sense the love. Chose this one!
Maori experience
118andyd,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Authentic experience of Maori history. Good buffet cooked in traditional Maori style. Very entertaining evening
Worth going once
RiP99,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Food and drink prity average. Huge hall with 400 tourists in it to watch the show. It lacked the authenticity of a small village experience but it did show some genuine cultural activities and was a good way to lean aboyt the culture.
Great hangi!
AviedeAsis,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved our experience here! Food was really good!
Great experience.
Explore51868670052,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience. Excellent food and many selections.
Thoroughly enjoyable evening exploring the culture and cuisine of the Māori people
BackPacker776903,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked this experience directly. It was most interesting and there was a good mix of sitting listening to the host, walking along the pathways, watching the river procession, watching the Māori performance and having dinner. It was very convenient being able to buy drinks at the bar. We were allocated seats on arrival and our table comprised of people from UK, Canada, France and Eastern Europe. The water procession was excellent as were the performances generally. The introduction of ‘our’ chief, Michael from Belgium, to the Māori chief was an interesting moment. The whole evening made me aware of how proud the Māori are of their culture. The Q & A was very informative and the host was prepared to answer any questions but didn’t elaborate too much if it was a political type question. The buffet dinner (Hangi) was very well organised and everyone was served quickly. The meats were delicious, so juicy and tender. Side dishes included stuffing, potatoes and vegetables. Pudding was sticky date pudding, custard and profiteroles. The whole evening was very enjoyable and we would definitely recommend.
A brilliant evening for all the family
elsies824,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fantastic! Came to this 12 years ago and loved it, came back with my family and it was just as good, if not better than I remembered! Amazing food, incredibly friendly service, educational , entertaining and set up so well! The gentleman that ran it was fascinating to listen to and held the attention of our 7 & 10 years ago olds! Loved it!!
Nice evening activity
Andrew M,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Might not be as glitzy as some fancy Hawaiian luaus, but this family run experience is still well worth it. Good story telling, good food, energetic show, plus you get to see some glow worms too.
From NZ$169.00
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Operated by Mitai Maori Village