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Curious about the Mitai Maori Village? I was too, so I decided to check it out for myself.
New Zealand has so many epic experiences, but no trip here would be complete without visiting a Maori village. Having lived here for years, I’ve done several experiences like this and can vouch that they’re worth doing, but should you visit Mitai Maori Village or another one?
In this review of the Mitai Maori Village, I go in-depth about what you can expect, what I liked and disliked, things to consider before booking, and more!
What is the Mitai Maori Village?
For over 20 years, the Mitai Maori Village has been one of the best places in Rotorua to get an authentic Maori experience. What do I mean by authentic? From the moment you arrive, you’ll be steeped in Maori culture, and over the next 3 hours, you’ll gain insight into the people who have inhabited New Zealand for over 750 years.
The Maori culture is still rich in New Zealand and the way the village was set up made me feel like I was stepping back in time. Excellent narration, a lush nature setting, live demonstrations, and activities that are engaging for children as well as adults had me sucked right into the experience.
I loved watching both men and women in traditional dress show us their ways of life that date back hundreds of years and many are still practiced today. Even though it was a fairly large group experience, it felt intimate and everyone was engaged. They even include a Maori Hangi fest which really made the night special! I’ll go into the full experience and all the demos and activities we did in more detail shortly.
Since they offer round-trip transportation from most hotels in Rotorua, it’s also easy to get to if you don’t have a vehicle. Talk about convenience! Tickets are only $155 NZD and should be booked in advance as it often sells out. This is such a classic experience that I even added it to my 2-day Rotorua itinerary, you can’t miss it!
Book your ticket to Mitai Maori Village easily here!
What is included in the Mitai Maori Village tour?
When you book the Mitai Maori Village experience online here, round-trip transportation is provided from most hotels in Rotorua via large bus with the transportation time taking about 15-20 minutes. All demonstrations and interactive activities throughout the night are included at no extra cost including a bush walk and seeing the famous glow worms of New Zealand.
Finally, a buffet dinner and dessert are accompanied by water, coffee, and tea, but if you’d like to purchase alcoholic beverages they offer a full bar.
Why I Book Tours on Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! I almost always book all of my tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here!
Pros of the Mitai Maori Village
Affordable option – Traveling is already expensive enough, so having a high-quality experience at an affordable price is always something I prioritize. The Mitai Maori Village is exactly that!
Fun and informative – I don’t think there’s a single person who wouldn’t find this evening fun. It was never dull, we were always learning something new, and the engaging energy of the narrators had us smiling from start to finish.
Unique to New Zealand – Outside of New Zealand, you won’t get an adventure like this. The Maori culture is best experienced through evenings like this one and it is truly unique to the country.
Interactive for all ages – It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, traveling solo or with your family, this experience is just as interactive and fun for everyone!
Culturally significant – To really appreciate New Zealand, you have to understand the Maori culture. Once you take the time to dig into it, your trip to New Zealand will be so much better.
Cater to food allergies – This is a big one for some people, so I love that they can cater to food allergies as long as you reach out to them beforehand.
You get to see glow worms – The glow worms in New Zealand are something everyone wants to see and the fact that this experience has it included is amazing!
Time for questions and answers at the end – This may seem like a small thing, but if you’re like me, you might have some burning questions you want answered to understand something even more. I love that they included time for this.
The perfect amount of time – Not too short and not too long. I liked that this started at 6 pm and went until 9 pm and didn’t feel like it dragged on.
Ready to book? Mitai Maori Village tickets sell out, so make sure to grab your tickets here!
Cons of the Mitai Maori Village
Honestly, I don’t there is anything about this experience I didn’t like. I even talked to other people who had taken it and they said the same thing! It’s just so well thought out from start to finish and I loved every second of it. Of course, some people may not love the food, but I think that just comes down to personal preference.
Related Read: For more must-do experiences, check out my 10 favorite tours in Rotorua!
My Experience at the Mitai Maori Village
After stepping off of the bus that picked everyone up in Rotorua, we began to walk through the forest towards the village. It was lined with torches and other carvings that immediately got me excited for what was to come. As we reached the village, we walked through the gate of the main entrance that was modeled like that of Maori villages from long ago.
The first thing we did was make our way to the dining area for our Hangi feast which was great because by now it was 6:30 pm and I was ready for dinner. After some history about the food and its significance, we all sat down to eat a delicious buffet of earthen-cooked meat and vegetables. Seasoned with local spices, this traditional meal was delicious!
With our stomachs full, we began a short forest walk to the sacred Fairy Spring. I loved weaving through the dense woods and listening to our guide tell us stories of the Maori who have inhabited the area for hundreds of years. Once at the spring, I watched in awe as fresh water bubbled up out of the sand and saw eels swim around with glow worms nearby.
The highlight of the night for me was watching a hand-carved war canoe paddle down the river while men in traditional dress chanted and made war faces at us. It’s hard to describe just how epic this was, but after seeing it, I understand why the Maori are regarded as some of the world’s fiercest warriors!
The rest of the evening was spent watching the Maori demonstrate traditional songs, dances like the Haka, and games. We even had to elect one of the members from our group to act as our chief for the night! It was fun, interactive, and between everything, there was educational commentary.
What is the other Maori Village tour in Rotorua, and is it better?
Te Pā Tū is another Maori village in Rotorua that offers a very similar cultural experience and while it’s not “better” there is one major difference that makes it stand out.
While the buffet at Mitai Maori Village was delicious, I can’t deny that the 3-course dinner at Te Pā Tū was better. It fuses traditional Maori food with a modern flavor and makes for a chef’s kiss of a meal. Besides the difference in dinner, both have the same level of culturally enriching demonstrations and activities, wonderful staff, and enchanting settings in nature. I’ve done both and each truly is excellent.
While fine dining comes at a higher cost if you’re a foodie who doesn’t mind paying a little more you can snag tickets to the Te Pā Tū Village experience for $260 NZD.
Related Read: Another experience I recommend (even if you aren’t a big LOTR fan) is taking a tour to Hobbiton from Rotorua!
Would I do the Mitai Maori Village tour again?
Yes, I absolutely would! There have been plenty of experiences I’ve had where once is enough, but the Mitai Maori Village isn’t one of them. I can’t wait to go back with friends and family! It’s an incredible and unique evening that you can only have in New Zealand.
I loved the dancing, singing, the war canoe, and everything else that came along with it. Even as someone who has lived in New Zealand for years, there were tons of things about the Maori I never knew and it was such an enriching experience. I recommend everyone goes!
Book tickets to Mitai Maori Village here to access FREE cancellation!
Other Things to do While You’re in Rotorua
- Relax in Hot Pools – Rotorua is known for all of its hot pools (hot springs). Secret Spot Hot Tubs is my favorite because you get your very own private hot pool surrounded by lush forests. If you want a cheaper option, The Polynesian Spa is also very nice and the location downtown means you get a great view of the lake!
- Government Gardens – Take a walk through the beautiful Government Gardens right on the edge of the lake in Rotorua’s downtown. The flowers here are stunning and it’s a nice place to stroll around and take photos.
- Visit Hobbiton – Journey to the land of Hobbit Holes and bring movie magic to life by visiting Hobbiton. It’s only an hour from Rotorua and I recommend this small-group Hobbiton tour that takes you to explore the movie set for behind-the-scenes stories and lunch at The Green Dragon Inn.
- Whitewater rafting – One of the best places to go whitewater rafting in New Zealand is in Rotorua! Here, you can choose from a variety of rafting tours, with the most famous being this one that features the 7-meter waterfall drop! That’s right, you’ll actually raft over a waterfall – Tutea Falls – which is the world’s largest commercially rafted waterfall (that’s bragging rights for sure!).
Where to Stay in Rotorua
If you spending a few nights here, Rotorua has some very nice places to stay! What’s great about this area is all the choices for accommodations – whether you are backpacking on a budget or looking for a luxurious place to call home for a few nights. These are my top picks for every budget!
Rydges Rotorua – $$$
For a more luxurious stay, Rydges Rotorua offers a scenic view and a relaxing atmosphere located on the edge of Redwoods Forest and overlooking the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Reserve and Historical Village.
Start your morning with a visit to the on-site gym or a swim in the heated outdoor swimming pool. You can also drop by the hotel’s award-winning restaurant that offers modern New Zealand cuisine. For the kids, there’s a Play Zone with table tennis, foosball, Nintendo Switch, air hockey, and more. Rooms start around $250 NZD and can be reserved online here.
Thermal Oak Motel – $$
If more rooms and spacious accommodations are what you’re looking for, you’ll find them at Thermal Oak Motel. The choices range from deluxe studios to a three-bedroom flat house, with rates from $198 NZD up to $600 NZD per night.
All accommodations are complete with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchenette and a dining area available in most of the rooms, including the executive two-bedroom unit (which also has a private outdoor spa pool). There are two mineral spa pools and it’s only a 10-minute walk to the city center. Check availability and book online here.
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua – $
Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua is one of the budget-friendly hotels centrally located in the city within walking distance of many Rotorua attractions like Government Gardens and the Polynesian Spa. You can save money on meals by using the communal kitchen and there’s a spacious guest lounge.
It’s a perfect fit for travelers with a tight budget where rooms in a shared dorm of four to eight people start at only $47 NZD per night. If you don’t want to share, there are private rooms available as well around the $100 NZD mark. You can easily book a room on HostelWorld.com or Booking.com.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. Alternatively, you can use Motorhome Republic to search all motorhomes in NZ. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!
Thanks for reading!
I hope this review of Mitai Maori Village helped you decide whether this is the experience for you! I really enjoyed the entire evening from start to finish and can’t wait to go again the next time I’m in Rotorua.
Whether this is your first trip to New Zealand or you’re just looking for some new experiences, I can help you out! Have a look through all my blogs on Rotorua and on the North Island here. I also picked out a few below that might be helpful.
10-Day North Island Itinerary – 3 Tried and Tested Itineraries!
Chava Kahana
Sunday 18th of August 2024
Thank you for the detailed information Question: Do you know of a way we can enjoy and learn about the Maori culture in ROTORUA WITHOUT joining their dinner. (We cannot eat there because of dietry restrictions)
Thank you Chava
Bailey
Friday 30th of August 2024
Hey Chava,
Yes you can but not at the above place.
You can do it here - https://www.tepuia.com/experiences/
Thanks Bailey