Mitai Maori Village

Mitai Maori Village offers a unique opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of the Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Located on the outskirts of Rotorua, this living village provides visitors with an authentic introduction to Māori heritage, combining cultural performances, traditional food, and nature walks through a serene forest setting.

Mitai Maori Village Experience

Visitors to Mitai Maori Village are welcomed with a traditional pōwhiri (welcome ceremony), introducing them to the stories, customs, and way of life of the Te Arawa people. The village recreates life as it was in historic Māori settlements, including an ancient fortified village and sacred natural springs such as Te Puna Tapu o Tuhoe.

A highlight of the experience is the Wai-o-Whiro stream, where visitors watch warriors paddle a traditional war canoe (waka). Cultural performances showcase Māori arts, including the haka (war dance), poi dances, waiata (songs), and mōteatea (chants). Guests also learn about ancestral weapons, instruments, and local customs, offering insight into daily life and survival in historic Māori communities.

An evening walk through the forest allows visitors to explore the old village site, see native flora, and observe the glow worms lighting the forest banks.

Maori Food

A key part of the Mitai experience is the traditional hāngi buffet dinner. Hāngi is a method of cooking food in an earth oven, where baskets of meat, chicken, vegetables, and kumara are placed on hot stones and covered to trap heat and steam. The process takes three to four hours, allowing the flavours to develop naturally.

Guests can view the unveiling of the hāngi meal and learn about the preparation process. The buffet offers a variety of meats, poultry, vegetables, and desserts, with full bar facilities available. While Mitai specialises in traditional hāngi, some dietary requests may be accommodated, although vegan options are limited.

Maori Experience

For those interested in a more immersive experience, Mitai Maori Village offers daytime and evening packages. The Voyages of Māori & Lunch Buffet allows visitors to enjoy a two-hour cultural journey, including a traditional buffet lunch, guided walks, and cultural performances.

The Wai, Kai & Relax Combo Package combines a visit to the village with a relaxing soak at Polynesian Spa. Guests can enjoy geothermal rock pools, including alkaline and acidic mineral pools, hydrotherapy cold plunge pools, and heated loungers while taking in lakeside views.

Education Excursions

Mitai Maori Village is an ideal destination for school groups and educational trips. Students can learn about Māori history, customs, and cultural practices through guided tours and interactive demonstrations. Topics include traditional food preparation, ancestral weapons, native plants for medicinal use, and the significance of sacred sites like Te Puna Tapu o Tuhoe.

Educational programs are tailored to different curriculum needs. Students can participate in walks, witness cultural performances, and gain hands-on experience in Māori traditions, providing a valuable learning opportunity in a unique natural environment.

Practical Information

The village is open to all ages and offers free parking. Visitors are advised to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for forest walks. Some sections may have limited wheelchair accessibility, and baby highchairs are available upon request. Bookings are required for guided experiences, and complimentary transfers are offered from registered accommodation.