Voyages of Māori at Mitai Māori Village

4.8 (96 verified reviews)

Voyages of Maori at Mitai Maori Village — photo 1

Voyages of Maori at Mitai Maori Village — photo 2

Voyages of Maori at Mitai Maori Village — photo 3

Voyages of Maori at Mitai Maori Village — photo 4

Voyages of Maori at Mitai Maori Village — photo 5

About This Experience

Experience Maori Culture and Traditions

Embark on this journey as you partake in the revelation of the traditional hangi feast and relish for lunch in buffet style. Be a witness to the fierce warriors navigating the war canoe along the tranquil waters of Wai-o-Whiro stream and immerse yourself in rich cultural performances such as Wero, Pōwhiri (Traditional Māori Welcome), Waiata (Song), Mōteatea (traditional chant), Poi, Haka and much more. Embrace nature and explore the echoes of the ancient reconstructed fortified village site unravelling the ways of life of the Māori and the natural spring Te Wai Whakarukuhanga a Atua (The waters of the Gods) also known as Te Puna Tapu o Tuhoe (a famous ancestor and tribe).

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

Highlights

The Mitai experience in daylight, with a hāngī buffet served as lunch rather than dinner
Warriors on the waka taua on the Wai-o-Whiro stream
A two-hour cultural performance including wero, pōwhiri, waiata, mōteatea, poi and haka
Walk to Te Wai Whakarukuhanga a Atua, the sacred natural spring
A certified English-speaking guide, plus a written English guide

What's Included

✓ Wai o Whiro Stream – Dynamic scene of warriors on the waka taua (war canoe)
✓ Walk through nature to see sacred spring
✓ Written Guide: English
✓ 2 hour daytime Cultural performance including haka & Poi
✓ Tea and coffee
✓ Certified English Speaking Guide

Not Included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Good to Know & Caveats

Specialized infant seats are available
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately - warm comfortable clothing and walking footwear
Anyone can access
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.

Meeting Point

Carpark available parking for vehicles and motorhomes onsite

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.8/5 by 96 verified Viator travelers.

Great experience, very knowledgeable guides and lovely food. Good value, and great venue which is easily accessible from Rotorua
— Nicola_K, Apr 202

It was located in a residential area and seemed a little light on show or events. Was a glorified buffet lunch.
— Barbara_K, Mar 202

We now understand why this is the top-rated experience of this kind in Rotorua. We had the morning experience including lunch buffet. We couldn't have asked for a better and more satisfying time - the staff and performers were all toRead more
— Derek_V, Mar 202

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from Mitai's evening experience?

It covers much of the same ground — waka, performance, hāngī and the spring — but runs in daylight as a two-hour lunchtime experience rather than a three-hour evening. It costs less, and it frees your evening for a different operator.

Do you see the glow worms?

No. Glow worms are only visible on the evening experience; this daytime version walks the same forest but there is nothing to see in the banks in daylight.

What should I wear?

It operates in all weather conditions, so dress for the day — warm, comfortable clothing and shoes you can walk in. Part of the route is through forest with steps and some uneven ground.

Is the meal a full lunch?

Yes — a traditional hāngī feast served buffet style, plus tea and coffee. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase but are not included.

Is it accessible?

Mostly, but the bush walk is limited: the exit into the forest is via stairs and the waka is viewed from a platform.