Gain insight into Māori customs, stories and performing artsSee a waka taua moving along a natural forest streamWatch poi, haka, waiata and traditional ceremonyLearn how hāngī kai is prepared in an earth ovenVisit Puna Tapu, a spring of cultural significanceEnjoy a family-friendly daytime experience in Rotorua

Welcome from your Mitai hostUnveiling of the traditional hāngīWaka taua display on the Wai-o-Whiro StreamPōwhiri and weroCultural performance with waiata, poi and hakaStories about ancestral weapons and instrumentsHāngī buffet lunchPoroporoaki farewell

Parking is freeDress appropriately for the weather, such as warm clothing in winter, a hat in summer, and a jacket when it's rainingWear comfortable shoes for the bush walkUmbrellas are provided on a first-come, first-served basisSome areas of the forest walk may not be accessible for wheelchairsLimited availability of baby highchairs, so book in advanceThere are bar facilities on site; please do not bring alcoholic beverages onto or off the premises

Adult: 14 years +Children: 5-13 yearsInfant: 4 years and under

Overview FAQs Departure Dates Book now

Voyage of Māori Heritage and Hāngī Buffet Lunch

Oct-Apr

North Island

Mitai Maori Village

from

US$84

per adult

Book Now

Group of Māori performers in traditional attire standing under carved entrance at Mitai Māori Village.

Experiences

History and Māori Culture

Food, Wine and Beer Tours

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Rotorua

Travel Time: 2 hours

Voyage of Māori Heritage is an 11am cultural experience at Mitai Māori Village, about a 10-minute drive from central Rotorua. It is self-drive only, with free parking. The visit lasts two hours; allow at least 2½ hours for the return drive and check-in. It runs from October to April, subject to availability, and includes a waka display, pōwhiri, wero, cultural performance, sacred spring visit and hāngī buffet lunch. It suits families and visitors seeking a daytime introduction to Māori culture.

Māori warriors paddling a waka through native bush as visitors watch at Mitai Māori Village, Rotorua.

Experience Māori Culture at Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua

Step into the world of Mitai Māori Village and discover traditions that have been passed through generations. Your cultural journey begins with a welcome from your Mitai host before the traditional hāngī is unveiled. Beside the Wai-o-Whiro Stream, see warriors paddle a waka taua through the native setting before experiencing a pōwhiri, wero and cultural performance featuring waiata, mōteatea, poi and haka.

Māori performers dancing on stage in traditional dress at Mitai Māori Village, Rotorua.

Along the way, storytelling introduces ancestral customs, traditional weapons and instruments, while a visit to Puna Tapu offers another connection with the cultural significance of this landscape. The experience continues over a buffet lunch featuring hāngī-cooked kai, including meats, chicken and kūmara, before concluding with a traditional poroporoaki farewell. Starting at 11am and lasting around two hours, it is an ideal way to experience Māori culture and food while exploring Rotorua during the day.

Close-up of a Māori warrior in traditional korowai (cloak) and moko (Māori tattooing) at Mitai Māori Village, Rotorua.

Māori whānau (family) dressed in traditional clothing posing at Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua, surrounded by native bush.

A clear stream and wooden bridge surrounded by lush greenery at Mitai Māori Village, Rotorua.

Close-up of a ponga fern frond unfurling into a koru shape at Mitai Māori Village.

Traditional Māori waka decorated with ferns and feathers arriving at Mitai Māori Village during the cultural welcome ceremony.

Māori warriors arriving in a waka (canoe) during the cultural show at Mitai Māori Village.

Two staff lifting food baskets from a traditional hangi pit at Mitai Māori Village, Rotorua.

Staff uncovering a traditional hāngī meal at Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua.

Cooked meat, kūmara and vegetables in foil trays inside a traditional hangi pit at Mitai Māori Village.

Traditional hangi feast with chicken, vegetables, stuffing and salad served at Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua.

Fresh root vegetables prepared for a traditional Māori hāngī at Mitai Village.

Portrait of Māori whānau in traditional dress standing in the native forest at Mitai Māori Village, Rotorua.

Māori woman performing a traditional karanga welcome call at Mitai Māori Village in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Gain insight into Māori customs, stories and performing arts
See a waka taua moving along a natural forest stream
Watch poi, haka, waiata and traditional ceremony
Learn how hāngī kai is prepared in an earth oven
Visit Puna Tapu, a spring of cultural significance
Enjoy a family-friendly daytime experience in Rotorua

Welcome from your Mitai host
Unveiling of the traditional hāngī
Waka taua display on the Wai-o-Whiro Stream
Pōwhiri and wero
Cultural performance with waiata, poi and haka
Stories about ancestral weapons and instruments
Hāngī buffet lunch
Poroporoaki farewell

Your Mitai host will welcome you before the traditional hāngī is revealed. The cultural programme continues beside the Wai-o-Whiro Stream, where warriors arrive aboard a waka taua, followed by the pōwhiri, wero and live performance.

A buffet lunch featuring hāngī-cooked kai is served during the visit. Some parts of the experience take place outdoors, so comfortable footwear and clothing suited to Rotorua’s weather are recommended.

Parking is free
Dress appropriately for the weather, such as warm clothing in winter, a hat in summer, and a jacket when it's raining
Wear comfortable shoes for the bush walk
Umbrellas are provided on a first-come, first-served basis
Some areas of the forest walk may not be accessible for wheelchairs
Limited availability of baby highchairs, so book in advance
There are bar facilities on site; please do not bring alcoholic beverages onto or off the premises

Adult: 14 years +
Children: 5-13 years
Infant: 4 years and under

More than 48 hours before departure: Full refund**.
Between 24 and 48 hours before departure: 50% refund**
Within 24 hours before departure: No refund

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Frequently asked questions

Free parking and bar facilities are available at Mitai Māori Village, although guests cannot bring alcoholic drinks onto or off the premises. The seasonal experience starts at 11am and includes a hāngī buffet lunch. Visitors wanting a longer evening programme can compare the Mitai Māori Cultural Experience and Hāngī Buffet Dinner.

Some parts of the outdoor and forest walk may not be accessible for wheelchair users, so discuss any mobility requirements when booking. The main experience lasts approximately two hours and includes several cultural activities in different areas of Mitai Māori Village. Explore other Māori culture and heritage tours when comparing suitable experiences.

Wear comfortable shoes because the programme includes outdoor areas and a walk through the village setting. Warm clothing is recommended on cooler days, while a hat may be useful in summer and a rain jacket is advisable during unsettled weather. Find seasonal advice and additional activities in this Rotorua travel guide.

Yes. Children can enjoy the waka taua display, pōwhiri, poi, haka, storytelling and hāngī buffet lunch. Child rates apply from 5–13 years, while children aged four and under are classified as infants. Families planning a longer Rotorua holiday may also consider the 5 Day Rotorua Family Escape.