Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour — The Living Māori Village

4.7 (522 verified reviews)

Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour — photo 1

Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour — photo 2

Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour — photo 3

Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour — photo 4

Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour — photo 5

About This Experience

Experience the warmth of our Legacy Guided Tours through New Zealand’s iconic Maori village. Our village guides are direct descendants of the early Māori guides who’s legacy shaped tourism in New Zealand for generations. Their insights, knowledge and legendary hospitality (manaakitanga) adds depth and richness to the experience you’ll have at Whakarewarewa.

Highlights

A village people still live in — not a reconstruction and not a visitor centre
Guides are direct descendants of the early Whakarewarewa guides whose legacy shaped New Zealand tourism
See geothermal steam, hot pools and cooking vents in everyday domestic use
The most-reviewed daytime Māori experience in Rotorua — 522 reviews at 4.7
All areas and surfaces are stated to be wheelchair accessible

What's Included

✓ Entry Ticket

Good to Know & Caveats

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Meeting Point

Meet at the start point.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.7/5 by 522 verified Viator travelers.

We started our first day in Rotorua with this highly significant and sacred tour. I feel it's important to know about this special place before you explore the rest of this incredible area. John our tour guide with family heritage to this village, waRead more
— Sondra_L, Jul 202

Incredible experience walking around a real village with one of the residents. Learning about the history and how the village works. The corn on the cob cooked in the waters was so cool!
— Aimee_C, Jul 202

It was absolutely amzing! Our tour guide Daniel was so nice. We had some delicious sweet corn, learnt about great Mouri culture. It was such an amazing experience.
— Ashini_W, Apr 202

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same place as Te Puia?

No, and this is the most common mix-up in Rotorua. The two sit in the same geothermal valley and were once a single entity, but today they are separate organisations with separate entrances — Whakarewarewa at 17 Tryon Street, Te Puia at 20 Hemo Road — and a bolted gate between them. One ticket does not admit you to the other.

Do people actually live there?

Yes. Whakarewarewa is a working residential village of Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao families, who use the geothermal vents and pools for cooking and bathing as the community has for generations. That daily use is what the tour is built around.

How long does it take?

The guided tour itself runs about an hour. If you want the geothermal trails as well, the combo ticket covers both and takes one to three hours depending on how long you linger.

Is there a performance?

Not on this ticket — the cultural performance is sold separately, from $21, and can be added to the same visit. The guided tour is about the village and how it works.

Is there parking?

Yes, and public transport stops nearby. Head for the admissions building, which is signposted outside.