Join a guided tour and discover the wonders of Mother Nature and learn how we have come to live in harmony within this unique environment. Experience our twice daily Maori Cultural Performances entertaining you through song and dance.

Indulge your senses and try our Traditional Geothermal Hangi, Hangi Pie or Corn Cob, a tasteful and refreshing experience.

Wander through the village and Interact with local artists, learn how to make your own Harakeke (flax weaving) with our professional weaver or have a private session with our residential Taa Moko (Maori tattoo) Artist. 

Whakarewarewa – The Maori Cultural Village Tour

Immerse yourself in our unique Maori Culture in the Whakarewarewa village with an hourly tour through our real Living Maori Village. Here you will experience how Maori have traditionally used the natural geothermal energy in daily activities, from cooking in the bubbling waters and steam, to heating their homes and bathing in the therapeutic and refreshing waters.

The guided tours are entertaining and informative with a focus on giving everyone an understanding of the Maori history, culture and how the villagers live in the challenging Whakarewarewa Geothermal field and the significance of protecting it for future generations.

Meet the people of Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao and see the impact of the geothermal activity in Rotorua has on their day to day lives. As Whakarewarewa is still an active and thriving village your visit could coincide with tribal meetings, weddings or funerals where you gain insight into the modern day Maoris way of life. Your knowledgeable guide will share legends and stories about how their ancestors came to the beautiful land of Aotearoa, New Zealand and the wisdom of elders of how they adapted their way of live to respect the environment they live in.

You will get to visit the Whare Tepuna (ancestral house) where traditional carvings and woven panels are preserved at their original status. The Whare plays a significant part of the villagers lives where the tribes genealogy, history and culture are honoured. The tour includes the special viewing of the Pohutu Geyser, meaning big splash or explosion, where Mother Natures power and force is on display through the water vapour eruption up to 30 meters tall.

Traditional culture performances will be held at 11.15am and 2pm and you are free to join either session. The performances will include Waiata a ringa (singing an action song), Poi dancing and Haka. You will be invited to join the performers at the end and experience the best Maori Culture has on offer first hand.

Our guided tours are at: 9.00am, 10.00am, 12.00pm, 1.00pm, 2.30pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm. These are all approximately 1 hour long.

For a truly unique experience come and explore Whakarewarewa

A living Maori village set amongst a highly active landscape erupting with geothermal activity…