Mitai Māori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua

4.6 (1,406 verified reviews)

Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua — photo 1

Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua — photo 2

Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua — photo 3

Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua — photo 4

Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience in Rotorua — photo 5

About This Experience

Enter the world of Mitai Māori Village and embrace our history and culture. Watch our stories unfold through the dynamic scenes of our warriors paddling down Wai-o-Whiro stream, the melodious sounds of our instruments and entertainment from our performers including the haka. Satisfy your hunger with the traditional Māori Hangi and concluding your evening with a walk through our forest to see the ancient, fortified village learning the old ways of living and survival of our people and discover the natural resource Te Puna a Tuhoe, freshwater spring. The evening is not over until you glimpse the glow worms light up the banks of forest as the veil of darkness sets in.

Nau mai, haere mai, whakatau mai – come and experience our world…

Highlights

The only operator here that opens the hāngī pit in front of guests and lifts the baskets out of the ground
Warriors paddle a waka taua down the Wai-o-Whiro stream as the evening opens
Hāngī served from a buffet with side dishes and dessert, plus tea and coffee
Ends with a short guided bush walk to a sacred spring and a glow-worm grotto
Courtesy transfers from Rotorua accommodation, though places on them are limited

What's Included

✓ Hangi served from a buffet alongside other side dishes and dessert
✓ Courtesy transfers from local accommodation providers within Rotorua (limited places)
✓ Participate in a short guided bush walk to learn of the flora and fauna and see glow worms
✓ Tea and coffee
✓ Māori Cultural Performance
✓ 3 hour nightly cultural experience

Not Included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Good to Know & Caveats

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note there is a small walk through the forest which has some steps and uneven ground in some areas
Infant seats are subject to availability
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately - warm comfortable clothing and walking footwear
Wheelchair accessibility is limited for the 'bush walk' - exit into the forest is via stairs. Viewing of the waka (canoe) is from a platform and you can go a short distance into the forest to view the old pā (village) and see the sacred spring below the forest. Unfortunately, you will not see the glow worms. (Note: there is some uneven surfaces).

Meeting Point

Carpark available for vehicles and motorhomes onsite.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.6/5 by 1,406 verified Viator travelers.

A genuine well run family business. Food and entertainment we both good. Very close to centre of Rotorua.
— Stephen_A, Aug 202

This was amazing from start to finish, the entertainment and food, the people were all amazing. A great night
— klonsdale76, Aug 202

Shuttle service was excellent. Food was delicious. Cultural experience was out of this world! This experience is worth EVERY dollar!
— Daniel_T, Aug 202

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you really get to see the hāngī come out of the ground?

Yes — this is the thing that separates Mitai from the other Rotorua evenings. The pit is opened and the baskets are ceremonially lifted in front of guests before the buffet is served. Te Puia serves food cooked the same way but brings it straight out to the restaurant, and Te Pā Tū serves a plated menu.

What are the glow worms?

After the meal there is a short guided walk through the bush to the Wai-o-Whiro spring, where glow worms are visible in the banks. It is included in the ticket, not an extra.

Is the bush walk difficult?

It is short, but it has steps and some uneven ground. Wheelchair accessibility is limited on this section specifically — the exit into the forest is via stairs, the waka is viewed from a platform, and wheelchair users will not be able to see the glow worms.

Is there parking, or do I need the transfer?

There is a car park on site with room for vehicles and motorhomes, so driving yourself is straightforward. Courtesy transfers from Rotorua accommodation are available but limited in number, so request one early if you want it.

Are drinks included?

Tea and coffee are included. Alcoholic drinks are not, but they are available to purchase on site.