Maori Culture in Rotorua

Rotorua is the Heartland of Maori culture and the spirit and heritage of local Maori enriches the region as surely as the geothermal activity enlivens it. Ngati Whakaue, the name of the local tribe, arrived in Aoteroa New Zealand, aboard the waka (canoe), Te Arawa. The people are often called Te Arawa, for the name of the mighty waka that brought Tamatekapua, the leader of the tribe, and his people to Ohinemutu on the bank of Lake Rotorua.

Note: Te Arawa is often used to describe the extended tribe descended from Tamatekapua. Ngati Whakaue is just one of these.

The hospitality and generosity of the Ngati Whakaue people goes right back to early European visits when the tribe became the very first guides to the magnificent natural wonders of their homeland. This warm and welcoming attitude is alive in the local people today and Rotorua is a tourist destination with a tradition of expressive joy and energy in sharing the rich culture and lush landscape.

There are ample opportunities to witness the deeply moving expressions of Maori Culture in Rotorua. Legends, stories and history come to us through an abundance of creative medias; music, art, carvings, poi dancing and the famous Haka.

See a complete list of Rotorua Maori activities.

This week's featured Maori cultural activities in Rotorua are:

Featured Maori Cultural Activities

Rotorua Maori Hangi Dinner and Performance Maori - Rotorua - Starting from $130.00 per person Complete your adventure through Rotorua with a traditional Maori "hangi" feast. You'll travel by coach to Tamaki Maori Village where your local guide will escort you on a cultural journey to the "marae" (Maori village), the life force of New Zealand's indigenous people. Take the opportunity to engage in an evening of local customs including a traditional Maori dinner feast.  More...

Evening Maori Cultural Performance and Geyser Experience from Rotorua Maori - Rotorua - Starting from $128.00 per person You and your small group can enjoy Te Pō, an indigenous evening experience, operating daily from 6pm to 9pm. The night includes a traditional welcoming ceremony (pōwhiri) and an intimate 45-minute Māori concert performance. Enjoy a mouth-watering banquet of authentic Māori cuisine (kai) and marvel at the breath-taking beauty of the geothermal valley under lights. More...

Maori Hangi and Cultural Performance with 4WD Buggy Adventure in Rotorua Maori - Rotorua - Starting from $191.00 per person Enjoy this memorable and spiritual combo experience situated only a 5 minute drive from central Rotorua. You will take part in two activities with a fully guided off-road, 4WD buggy adventure as well as visiting a traditional Maori Village giving an authentic introduction to the Maori culture, hearing Maori stories, seeing Maori warriors paddling in an ancient warrior canoe before enjoying a traditional earth cooked Hangi feast for dinner. More...

Private Tour : Hobbiton & Rotorua with Cultural Experience from Tauranga Maori - Hinuera - Starting from $235.00 per person This tour is your day. We facilitate things to make sure that you arrive on time for your activities. Providing luxury transport in our 6 seater van or for larger groups our custom build 19 Seater Coach. Your comfort and your wishes for the day as we do everything we can to provide you with the best possible service and experience in the Bay of Plenty. More...

Absolutely Rotorua Maori - Rotorua - Starting from $244.00 per person Experience Rotorua's most important Sights in an engaging day trip. Spend the morning in Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland. Watch the impressive eruption of Lady Knox Geyser and explore all the unique lakes, pools and craters the park has to offer.   Afterwards, join us on our scenic 1-hour SnapShOt Highlights Tour of Rotorua. Get to know all the awesome sights the city has to offer. View Rotorua’s first settlement at Ohinemutu. Experience the geothermal activity at Sulphur Point and see... More...

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