Voyage of Māori Heritage: Immersive Cultural Adventure at Mitai Māori Village, Rotorua
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with minimal walking required on forest trails
Overview
Step into the world of the Māori at Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua. Experience traditional warrior displays, sacred springs, and a hāngī feast in this immersive 2-hour cultural adventure.
Voyage of Māori Heritage with Mitai Māori Village
For all ages • 2 Hours • Enter the world of Mitai and enjoy the ultimate cultural experience!
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Experience the rich tapestry of Māori culture with the Voyage of Māori Heritage at Mitai Māori Village. Enjoy a traditional hāngī feast, witness warriors on a war canoe, and participate in vibrant cultural performances. Explore an ancient village site and sacred spring, making this an unforgettable journey into Māori traditions.
We bring you the ultimate cultural experience!
Duration
2 Hours
About
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.
Cultural Performance & Experience!
Embark on this journey as you partake in the revelation of the traditional hangi feast and relish for lunch in buffet style, bear witness to the fierce warriors navigating the war canoe along the tranquil waters of Wai-o-Whiro stream and immerse yourself in a rich cultural performance of haka and other items, we welcome participation & learning. Embrace nature exploring the echoes of the ancient reconstructed fortified village site unraveling the ways of life of the Māori and the natural spring Te Wai Whakarukuhanga a Atua (The place of the Gods) also known as Te Puna Tapu o Tuhoe (a famous ancestor and tribe).
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 (food) 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 vegetarian, gluten free and we have some vegan options available - all our meats are halal.
Your Experience Includes:
- Greeting by host on arrival
- View the unveiling of traditional hangi meal
- Wai o Whiro Stream – Dynamic scene of warriors on the waka taua (war canoe)
- Puna Tapu - Sacred spring
- Powhiri & wero in the old Pā (village) site
- Cultural Performance
- Interactive participation (Poi, haka etc)
- Full Hangi Buffet Lunch
- Poroporoaki – Farewell
Useful Information
- Open rain or shine
- Dress for the weather
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Bar facilities available on site, no alcoholic beverages to be brought onto or taken from the premises
- Some limitations for wheelchair accessibility during walk through the forest
- No transfers included in this package self drive only
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Footwear
The forested paths around the village can be uneven; sturdy, comfortable shoes will make your experience more enjoyable.
Dress for the Weather
The experience operates rain or shine, so bring a waterproof jacket or sun protection depending on the forecast.
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is self-drive only and can fill up during peak times; arriving early ensures a hassle-free start.
Respect Cultural Protocols
Participate respectfully during performances and adhere to guides' instructions, especially around sacred sites like the spring.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Tūī birds known for their melodic calls
- Common forest geckos camouflage among the native trees
History
Mitai Māori Village showcases an ancient fortified pā site and honors the Tuhoe tribe's cultural heritage, integral to the Rotorua region’s history.
Conservation
The village promotes sustainable tourism by preserving native bush and educating visitors about respecting sacred sites and natural resources.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Rotorua
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Necessary for navigating the village trails and natural terrain comfortably.
Waterproof Jacket
Spring weather can be unpredictable, so a waterproof layer keeps you dry.
spring specific
Sun Hat and Sunscreen
Protects you from strong summer sun while outdoors during performances.
summer specific
Layered Clothing
Temperatures can vary, so layers allow for easy adjustment throughout the visit.
fall specific