Maori Culture

Haere mai (welcome) to New Zealand’s cultural capital

Rotorua is the best place in New Zealand to experience the traditional customs, practices and beliefs of our indigenous Māori people.
 
Awe-inspiring and authentic, Māori cultural tours and performances provide a special view into the historic lifestyle, traditions, mythology, art and more of Māori past and present. Watch a spine-tingling traditional pōhiri (welcoming ceremony), hear the hauntingly beautiful call of the kuia (female elder), learn to dance with poi or perform the haka. Watch as your dinner is pulled from a traditional hāngī (steam-cooked meal) straight out of the ground.
 
Guided walking tours through a historic living Māori village give you up-close and personal insight and history of the people who’ve inhabited this geothermal area for more than 200 years. Today 21 families live in this village and continue to utilise the same geothermal resource as their ancestors.
 
Bespoke half-day tours of historic locations throughout Rotorua provide in-depth lifestyle, history and mythology lessons.
 
Paddling a beautifully carved waka (traditional Māori canoe) along the shores of Lake Rotorua will teach you about the local Māori of Ohinemutu Village and beyond.
 
No matter the options you choose, you’ll be richer for the experience.