Voyages of Maori at Mitai Maori Village

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Experience Maori Culture and Traditions

Embark on this journey as you partake in the revelation of the traditional hangi feast and relish for lunch in buffet style. Be a witness to the fierce warriors navigating the war canoe along the tranquil waters of Wai-o-Whiro stream and immerse yourself in rich cultural performances such as Wero, Pōwhiri (Traditional Māori Welcome), Waiata (Song), Mōteatea (traditional chant), Poi, Haka and much more. Embrace nature and explore the echoes of the ancient reconstructed fortified village site unravelling the ways of life of the Māori and the natural spring Te Wai Whakarukuhanga a Atua (The waters of the Gods) also known as Te Puna Tapu o Tuhoe (a famous ancestor and tribe).

Nau mai, haere mai, whakatau mai – come and experience our world…

Additional Info

Specialized infant seats are available

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note there is a small walk through the forest which has some steps and uneven ground in some areas

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately - warm comfortable clothing and walking footwear

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.

Anyone can access

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Wai o Whiro Stream – Dynamic scene of warriors on the waka taua (war canoe)

Walk through nature to see sacred spring

View the unveiling of traditional earth-cooked hangi and buffet dinner

Written Guide: English

2 hour daytime Cultural performance including haka & Poi

Spring Water / Tea & Coffee

Certified English Speaking Guide

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

What To Expect

Mitai Maori Village

Discover Our Unforgettable Mitai Maori Village Experience in Rotorua! Voyage of Māori Heritage with Mitai Māori Village signifies an immersive adventure designed to take participants on a meaningful exploration of the core intrinsic elements of Māori culture.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included

Options

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

4.93

42 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Authentic, enriching experience
628tessp,
Apr 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Beautiful experience. The village itself is well looked after and alive with culture and history. We’ve learnt more about Maori practice and traditions here than we have in our 20+ years of living in NZ. We thoroughly enjoyed the performances and speeches and the Hāngi was delicious, with plenty of food for seconds. Perfect for a sunny day or wet weekend.
Highly recommend
ShirleyGordon,
Apr 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Really Enjoyed 😍 Very informative and well presented. Only disappointment was not seeing the hangi lifted as expected.
It was great to learn...
Jean C,
Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
It was great to learn more of the Maori culture. Buffet meal was delicious with a wide selection. Disappointed not to see an actual Hungi in the ground
A fun and informative event
CathyH113,
Mar 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
We wanted to go to an evening show but it was sold out. The afternoon show was great though. The young woman who led us through the whole presentation was very knowledgeable and engaging. The "show" included a welcome ceremony, singing, dancing, explanations about the culture, the face tattooing, the food, etc. It included a short walk into a forested area with a small river and sacred spring. It was both entertaining and moving. The only thing I wish there was time for was to get a photo with one of the warriors!
Authentic experience, authentic food, delicious desserts
Laura I,
Mar 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Authentic experience. Mahalo piha to Keola, the Chief, his sister and the entire staff. Very friendly, good for limited mobility folks, thoroughly enjoyed it. Come hungry cause the food was onolicious (outstanding)!
Great Cultural Experience
Robyn J,
Mar 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fantastic in every way The meal was great Tour guide very passionate Great natural setting Thanks in ever way
Lunchtime Māori Village Experience
Sandra C,
Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A relatively short but involving visit. There is an introduction in the main hall, where you are allocated a table. Then a short walk through a forested area to a stream, where a Waka tau (war canoe) is paddled past the audience, full of Maori warriors in full regalia. Then on to the hall, at the end of which are some traditional dwellings. Here you witness Maiori warriors and ladies demonstrating dance, weapons and their use, followed by a Haka. A narrator explains various aspects of culture, before returning to the hall for a buffet lunch, with desserts. Finally there are some more explanations of various aspects of Maori life, with a Q and A session. The whole experience was definitely not a cabaret, there was a real attempt to impart some idea of cultural and social values, the Maori folk were enthusiastic and looked impressive, and they all appeared to be enjoying the proceedings. A lot was packed into a couple of hours, the meal was excellent and plentiful, I would heartily recommend this tribes experience.
Must visit places in NZ
Biebele B,
Mar 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I can’t put it to words. It’s a privilege to experience the amazing culture and lifestyle of the Mitai Maouri family. A piece of the Maouri history that has been passed on from generations and still holds its authenticity. It’s a must to experience this display of unique tradition and culture if you are visiting NZ.
More than expected if you are open
Paul S,
Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Enter with an open mind that what you are seeing at first is not a show, or something put on for tourists, it is a genuine sharing of the traditions and culture. The meal was great and make sure you are near the front of the line for the tour of the village. It is then that the real education into the culture and spirit of the people is shared.
A glimpse of culture
ssg632014,
Mar 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour was very good. The canoe with the warriors was impressive. The guide seemed very emotional about his message and his passion for his ancestry carried through. Food was very good.