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Rotorua Māori Village Evening: Cultural Performance and Hāngī Dinner

Rotorua, New ZealandAbout 3.5 hoursGuided in English

Spend an evening at a Māori village in Rotorua: watch warriors paddle a waka on the stream, enjoy a performance of song and haka, and share a hāngī feast cooked in the earth.

About 3.5 hoursExplore at your own pace
Shared evening experienceKeeps the experience personal
EnglishLive guide or host
CancellationNon-refundable: tickets are issued for your chosen date and time

Highlights

  • A Māori welcome and cultural performance
  • Warriors paddling a waka on a spring-fed stream
  • The haka, waiata and poi
  • A buffet hāngī dinner cooked in the earth
  • Hotel pickup in Rotorua

Full description

This family-run evening is one of the warmest introductions to Māori culture in New Zealand. After a welcome, you see the hāngī being lifted from the earth oven, where the food has been slow-cooked on hot stones, and walk down to a spring-fed stream in the bush as warriors in traditional dress paddle a waka (war canoe) by firelight.

Inside the carved meeting house, the hosts perform waiata (songs), poi and the haka, and explain the meaning behind them. Then everyone sits down to a buffet dinner of hāngī meat and vegetables with dessert. The evening often ends with a short guided walk to see glowworms in the bush.

Itinerary

  1. Hotel pickup

    Pickup from your Rotorua accommodation in the early evening.

  2. Welcome and hāngī

    A welcome and the lifting of the hāngī from the earth oven.

  3. Waka and performance

    Watch the waka arrive, then the performance in the meeting house.

  4. Dinner

    Buffet hāngī dinner, then the transfer back.

Included

  • Cultural performance
  • Buffet hāngī dinner and dessert
  • Return transfer from Rotorua accommodation

Not included

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Your accommodation in RotoruaThe exact spot and your host's details arrive with your confirmation.

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Know before you go

  • Tell us about dietary needs in advance; vegetarian options are usually available
  • Part of the evening is outdoors; bring a warm layer
  • Please follow the hosts' guidance during the performance
  • Start times change with the season; we confirm yours with your quote

Frequently asked questions

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, it is a family-friendly evening.

Can I drive myself?

Yes; tell us when you enquire and we confirm the venue address.

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From USD 101 per adult
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