Duration: Open from 8:30am to 4:30pm
Location: Rotorua
Come and immerse yourself in our unique Maori Culture in the Whakarewarewa village. Meet the people of Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao and see the impact of geothermal activity in Rotorua has on their day to day lives. As Whakarewarewa is still an active and thriving village your visit could coincide with tribal meetings, weddings or funerals where you gain insight into the modern day Maoris way of life.Your knowledgeable guide will share legends and stories about how their ancestors came to the beautiful land of Aotearoa, New Zealand and the wisdom of elders of how they adapted their way of live to respect the environment they live in.You will get to visit the Whare Tepuna (ancestral house) where traditional carvings and woven panels are preserved at their original status. The Whare plays a significant part of the villagers’ lives where the tribe’s genealogy, history and culture are honored.The tour includes the special viewing of the Pohutu Geyser, meaning big splash or explosion, where Mother Natures power and force is on display through the water vapour eruption up to 30 meters tall, usually every hour.
Traditional culture performances will be held at 11.15am and 2pm and you are free to join either session. The performances will include Waiata a ringa (singing an action song), Poi dancing and Haka. You will be invited to join the performers at the end and experience the best Maori Culture has on offer firsthand.
The Hangi in Whakarewarewa village is prepared by placing a wooden box on top of a newly created vent. The food is then placed inside and steamed until it is cooked.
Whakarewarewa village only due to the thermal active vents in the area.A full Hangi meal includes
Main:
Chicken, Corned Silverside (Beef), Potato, Kumara (sweet potato),Pumpkin or Carrots (upon availability), Bread stuffing, Cabbage, Corn on the Cob and Gravy
Dessert:
Steamed Pudding, Fruit salad, Cream and Custard
Drinks:
Tea or Coffee
Your hangi is available from 10am to 1pm
Sunscreen
Camera
Flat walking shoes