While Rotorua is far from the only spot in the country that you can partake in Māori-led tourism experience, if you’re intent on seeing a Māori cultural show complete with all the bells and whistles, this is the best place to do it. Cultural shows typically include a kapa haka (traditional song and dance) performance and may also include a hāngī (earth oven banquet). The latter is a traditional Māori method of cooking, in which a large pit is dug in the ground and filled with a wood fire topped by stones. These are heated through, and then flax baskets of food are placed on top and covered with damp cloths. Earth is piled on top to create a natural oven. It generally takes about three hours of cooking time, and then dinner is served—and everything tastes of earthy smoke. The flavor may be a bit of an acquired taste, but it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss. Meat and vegetables make up most of the food on-offer.

Three major players specialize in these multifaceted cultural performances: Te Pa Tū, Mitai Māori Village, and Te Puia. All start their evening extravaganzas—which last for three to four hours—around 6:30pm and include lodging pickup and drop-off. All also include a reconstructed village where you can see the daily activities and traditional rituals of the local tribes, and you can learn how Māori use indigenous plants for medicinal purposes.

*For the best food: Formerly known as Tamaki Māori Village, Te Pa Tū, 1220 Hinemaru St. (tel. 07/349-2999) used the pandemic as an opportunity to reinvent its offerings. Its newly relaunched experiences are incredibly interactive. First, guests are ushered into the village in a traditional pōwhiri (welcome ceremony) by costumed hosts, where they enjoy canapes made with indigenous ingredients, learn to play stick games, perform with poi and do a haka. Then, after a kapa haka performance, they sit down for multi-course meal. Rather than being the hāngī buffet from tourism days of yore, dishes are served family-share style. The menu, which changes based on what’s in season, has been designed by celebrated local chefs and includes elevated plays on traditional hāngī and boil-ups. It’s a LOT of food. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available. The entire experience costs NZ$250 adults and NZ$105 ages 5 to 15.

*For a traditional hāngī experience: Mitai Māori Village, 196 Fairy Springs Rd., Rotorua (tel. 07/343-9132) is much the same, except it serves up food in a more traditional manner. You’ll have a chance to see how hāngī is prepared, which is then served in a buffet. This location also has glow worms within its bush. It costs NZ$129 for adults and NZ$26 for ages 10 to 15 and NZ$26 for ages 5 to 9. Family passes are also available.  

*For dinner and a show set next to geysers: Te Pō at Te Puia puts on an evening show and meal along the same lines, except with the added bonus of being set next to a geyser. It costs NZ$144.00 for adults and NZ$93.90 for ages 5 to 15. Family passes are also available.

In addition to these specialists, some of the larger hotels put on their own cultural experiences and hāngī. They tend to be more affordable (if lacking in ambiance), so ask when you book if this is an option.

Outsiders are also welcome to visit Ōhinemutu Māori Village on the lakefront. Go to the end of Fenton Street and keep heading west until you see the historic Tama-te-Kapua meetinghouse, cemetery, and the lovely little St. Faith’s Anglican Church. Admission to the church is by gold coin donation, and you must ask permission before entering: There’s usually someone there who will show you around but you’re not allowed to take photographs inside. The church is beautifully decorated with whakairo (carvings) and woven tukutuku wall panels. A modern feature is the window that depicts Jesus wearing a Māori cloak—if you sit in the right place with the lake behind him, he appears to be walking on water. The village has lots of thermal activity: The local ladies even cook their Christmas hams over grates in a couple of places. Please be courteous and thoughtful—the village isn’t a tourist attraction; it’s where people live.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.