Location: Hinemaru Street and Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua, NZ
Culture plays a huge role in making Rotorua what it is, and while it's hard to gain a true appreciation of such a deep and traditional one as that of Maori while only visiting on holiday, Rotorua's “Maori Villages” attempt to do their best to provide a distilled, tourist-friendly version of it to interested visitors.
Rotorua has two such attractions – the Tamaki and Mitai Maori Villages - both of which are highly regarded and incorporate a blend of ceremonies, music, storytelling, dance and dining into a single package that's as entertaining as it is informative.
Each of these also puts a premium on audience interaction and participation, and both aim to be as authentic to their roots as can be while still providing entertainment to visitors from all over the globe.
Tamaki Maori Village, which can be found on the outskirts of the town near Lake Rotorua and the Rotorua Museum (mentioned in greater detail below) offers a substantial 3+ hour experience in the midst of Rotorua's ancient Tawa forest.
Visitors who attend can take time to explore the village, listen to various stories on both history and legend, witness rituals and art, and view song and dance performances all culminating in a traditionally-prepared Hangi dinner by the attraction's Maori hosts.
Step back in time and explore the Maori way of life with a visit to a cultural village. Listen to the stories, watch dance performances and taste a traditional Hangi dinner prepared by your Maori hosts.
Step back in time – before the days of European settlement - and explore the Maori way of life, including the small dwellings, the arts and the songs; watch the women weaving, see the warriors training with traditional weapons and openly talk with the villagers about their heritage.
It's one of the best value culture-based experiences in New Zealand when you factor in that you're getting dinner and accommodation transfers as well, and a great way to spend an evening in Rotorua if you're looking to fill out your itinerary.
Alternatively you can find Mitai Maori Village located just 5 minutes drive from Central Rotorua offering you an authentic cultural evening incorporating a traditional earth cooked Hangi Feast.
Mitai Maori village is a 100% family owned operation and with the village standing on traditional Maori land, they are people of the land.
Witness warriors in traditional dress paddle in an ancient canoe. Be captivated by the displays of weaponry, Haka, coupled with the grace of the poi dance.
Here you will learn about traditional carvings and ta moko (tattoo art). There is also time to marvel at the sacred Fairy Spring flowing from earth and see glow worms in their natural habitat.
Mixing a blend of seriousness and lighthearted humour while still providing historical insight is a difficult thing to do, but Mitai handles it well, incorporating guided explanations and Q&A sessions that answer any queries on the techniques or history that guests may have, as well as a walk through the rainforest and a canoe piloted by costumed staff which adds to the overall atmosphere.
It's smaller and more intimate than Tamaki, which can either be a good or bad thing depending on what you're looking for.
While the Maori culture stretches back a long time into the past, both of these villages aim to break as much of it up as possible into a bite-sized morsel that will at least give visitors an overview.