Date posted: April 9, 2010

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 Maori’s way of life.

Whakarewarewa village is open from 8:30am until 5pm.  Make your own way to Whakarewarewa village and join any one of the hourly guided tours.  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 Nature’s 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.

Make your Maori Culture encounter even more special with a Hangi meal or learn how to weave with flax in the traditional way.

How to book or find prices

Please select the following in the booking form

From: Rotorua
To: Rotorua – Village Tour + Culture Show
Date: [the date you want to visit]
Return: [blank]

Your booking entitles you to join any one of the hourly guided tours.  You need to make your own way to Whakarewarewa Village located at 17 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa Village, Rotorua.  Gates open between 8:30am – 5pm.