Maori Cultural Village at Mitai Maori Village

Mitai Maori Village | Authentic Maori Cultural Experience

Travelers should not leave Aotearoa (New Zealand) without experiencing at least some of the rich Maori cultures. While Maori culture is imprinted deeply in the country, with many infographics showing Maori’s cultural and historical influences and legends around nature tracks, one does not simply walk into a Maori village or home with cultural and traditional elements readily presented for guests. Fortunately, there are some cultural villages around New Zealand, where people can book into a session for a rich experience, taste, and sight of Maori culture.

I have searched around the web for Maori cultural villages in New Zealand, and I found Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua to offer one of the most authentic experiences. I saw another popular cultural village nearby but the meals seemed less authentic as they modified the signature Maori cuisine into a fine dining setting.

Mitai Maori Village hangi Maori food

Online booking into an evening experience with Mitai Maori Village was simple and straightforward. On the day of the experience, I first checked-in and gathered with other guests in a large dining hall with assigned tables, where I got to meet people from interesting backgrounds, such as a professional wrestler from the USA.

As the session started, we were given introductions and briefings from a Maori host. A volunteer will be chosen to be the ‘leader’ for the day, who will represent all of the guests. Then, the host lead us outside to witness our dinner being ‘unearthed’. This is the famous Hangi, Maori most signature food that is cooked underground. They disclosed that a modern earth oven is used, instead of the traditional fire over ground method.

Mitai Maori Village hangi Maori food

A delicious preview of our dinner.

Mitai Maori Village war boat
Maori traditional dug boat

Next, we were led to a place by the river, where we were greeted by Maori warriors paddling and chanting on traditional dug boats.

Mitai Maori Village sacred spring

Later, the host showed us the sacred spring-fed pool in their village. Jets of spring water can be seen coming out of the ground in the blue pool, with fish swimming around.

Mitai Maori Village Maori chief

After the war boats welcome ceremony, we were ushered to a theater hall. The first performance was an interesting ‘confrontation’ between the Maori and us, the visitors. This was where our volunteer leader needed to decide if we ‘come in peace’, or if we are here to battle. Fortunately, peace was the outcome. Above picture is the village chief, sharing some facts about his land and people.

Mitai Maori Village hangi Maori cultural performance
Mitai Maori Village hangi Maori cultural performance

At Mitai Maori Village theater hall, we enjoyed the galore of performances, performed by the Maori people who grew up in this village. The deep love for their land and culture can be seen in their enthusiasm to share these to us.

Maori cultural village performance
Maori cultural performance

We were also showcased various games and tools used by the Maori to sharpen their fighting skills, which they also incorporated into the dances and performances.

Maori haka war dance performance

And of course, it won’t be complete without the signature and powerful Haka war dance performance

Check out the video of the performances!

Mitai Maori Village hangi Maori food
Mitai Maori Village hangi Maori food

Finally, we were back to the dining hall to enjoy our big Hangi meals. Everything was delicious! As we are finishing, the hosts open the floor for any questions from the guests. As I was so absorbed into the Q&A session, I missed out on the traditional steamed puddings and pavlova as I didn’t realize they are being served at the counter after the mains, and I was quite sad about that 🙁

night walk and glow worms

Lastly, the host took us for a night walk to see glow worms. At the same time, the host shared some more details about the things around the village, before the session ended.

My accommodation in Rotorua: Rock Solid Backpackers

Yay for transparency!: The Agoda link here is an affiliate link, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a booking. I recommend only products and companies I use. Your support helps me keep the site going 🙂

What to eat in Rotorua

Rivers Catch Rotorua

While you’re around Rotorua, I highly recommend the fish tacos and fish n’ chips at River’s Catch.

JPs on Jervis Burger Rotorua

And if you still have more space for food, hit up the town’s best burger joint at JP’s on Jervis.

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