Experience Rotorua’s Māori Cultural Evening and Traditional Hāngī Dinner
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical activity except a gentle forest walk
Overview
Step into the heart of Rotorua culture with Mitai’s Māori Cultural Experience & Dinner Buffet. Enjoy traditional performances, a legendary haka, and an authentic hāngī meal, all followed by an enchanting glowworm forest walk.
Māori Cultural Experience & Dinner Buffet
For all ages • 3 Hours • Enter the world of Mitai and enjoy the ultimate cultural experience!
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About This Adventure
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Mitai with a captivating evening of traditional performances, including warriors paddling a war canoe and the powerful haka. Savor a delicious hāngī dinner cooked in an earth oven, followed by a magical forest walk to discover sacred springs and glowing glowworms.
We bring you the ultimate cultural experience!
Duration
3 Hours
About
Enter the world of Mitai, and learn about the history of this area which was once flourished in villages.
Cultural Performance & Experience!
Our stories unfold through the dynamic scenes of warriors paddling the war canoe down Wai-o-Whiro stream. The melodious sounds of instruments and entertainment are highlighted through the haka and performing arts. Enjoy the traditional Hangi dinner followed by an evening walk through the forest visiting the old village site and discovering the sacred natural spring Te Puna Tapu a Tuhoe. End the evening in awe of the glow worms lighting the banks of the forest.
Buffet, the delicious tempting traditional hangi food of the Great Ocean of Kiwa!
Our hāngī earth oven kai (food) includes meat, chicken, kumara and much more.
The hāngī is cooked in an earth-oven, a hole 1-2m into the ground, the baskets of kai are placed on hot stones at the bottom of a hāngī pit. The kai is then covered to trap the heat, the steam and heat from heated hāngī stones infuses the kai with delicious earthy flavours while it cooks for 3-4 hours. Come and try out the delicious tempting food.
Note: We specialise in serving "hangi". Our menu does cater for some dietary needs such as gluten free, we have some vegetarian and vegan options available - all our meats are halal.
Your Experience Includes:
- Welcoming ceremony
- View the unveiling of traditional hangi meal
- Witness warriors paddling canoe down Wai-o-Whiro stream
- Cultural Performance
- Full buffet hangi dinner
- Questions & answers session
- Walk through nature to see ancient fortified village, learning about the old ways of living and the survival of our people
- See the natural resource of spring Te Puna Tapu o Tuhoe and;
- Watch the forest light up as the glow worms appear in the night
Complimentary Transfers (Limited numbers)
- Available to and from our registered accommodation
- Bookings are required via our online booking form or
- Contact us at reservation@mitai.co.nz or +64 7 343 9132
Note: Once we reach full capacity the transfer option will be closed (we do not hold inventory & numbers are limited)
Useful Information
- Free parking available
- Dress for the weather eg. warm clothing in winter, hat in summer, jacket when raining etc
- Comfortable shoes for the bush walk
- Umbrellas provided based on first term basis
- Some limitations for wheelchair accessibility during walk through the forest
- Baby highchairs available - limited number so book in advance
- Bar facilities available on site, no alcoholic beverages to be brought onto or taken from the premises
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Footwear
The forest walk includes uneven terrain; sturdy shoes will keep you steady during the evening stroll.
Dress in Warm Layers
Rotorua nights can get chilly, so bring layering options to stay comfortable during the outdoor walk.
Book Transfers Early
Complimentary shuttle seats are limited—reserve in advance to secure transport to and from your accommodation.
Arrive Hungry and Ready
The traditional hāngī buffet is hearty and filling, so come prepared to enjoy a full and flavorful meal.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Glowworms illuminating the forest at night
- Native New Zealand birds like the tūī and fantail
History
Mitai Experience celebrates the Māori heritage linked to the original villages that flourished around Rotorua before European settlement.
Conservation
The experience supports environmental protection by limiting impact during the night walk and educating visitors on respecting sacred natural sites.
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Adventure Hotspots in Rotorua
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Necessary for navigating the natural forest trail during the evening walk.
Warm Jacket
Keep cozy during the cooler night temperatures typical in Rotorua.
fall specific
Camera
Capture cultural performances and the magical glowworm display.
Rain Poncho or Umbrella
Be prepared for Rotorua’s occasional showers during the walk.
spring specific