Tamaki Maori Village

210 Rankers Reviews

189 Face-to-Face

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Tamaki Maori Village

New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Experience!

TAMAKI MAORI VILLAGE – EVENING CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Experience!
Experience an evening of ceremonial ritual, powerful cultural performance, storytelling & hangi feasting. Share in the Powhiri, our ancient ceremony of welcome before entering our pre-European Maori Village nestled within a native Tawa Forest. The village comes alive with sights, sounds & activity of days gone by including haka, poi, tattooing, weaving, carving and arts of warrior training. You will have the opportunity to participate in these activities. Witness the earth being scraped away from the hangi pit to reveal baskets of food cooked beneath the ground on hot stones. Enter the ancestral meeting house and enjoy a powerful cultural performance before dining the traditional hangi buffet feast!

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

Tamaki Maori Village

Commercial organisation

Location

North IslandRotorua RegionRotorua

Categories

  • Activity__cultural_experiencesCultural Experiences

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-38.135738

176.255679

Latitude
-38.135738
Longitude
176.255679

Reviews

    • Very nice evening with great food.
    • Interesting, especially the show at the end.
    • Food was smoky tasting but authentic.
    • A real tourist attraction.
    • Very well organised and enjoyable.
    Rating Count Percentage
    10/10 44
    21%
    9/10 54
    26%
    8/10 53
    25%
    7/10 27
    13%
    6/10 9
    4%
    5/10 7
    3%
    4/10 7
    3%
    3/10 7
    3%
    2/10 2
    1%
    1/10 0
    0%
  • 5.0/5

    The best experience of our holiday until now.

    The cultural activities and the Hangi, everything was fantastic.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016

    NETHERLANDS
    Gretha's avatar

    Gretha

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    We could be picked up almost anywhere, which was nice.

    We saw the village, we interacted with the people there and we had a great feast. I recommend this very much.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016

    DENMARK
    Bjorn Nielsen's avatar

    Bjorn Nielsen

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    The Maori Villagers explained about their lifestyle and ways of living in a very interactive way that made the crowd be involved and experience it with them.

    Very nice driver who waited for us when needed.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016

    ISRAEL
    Tome's avatar

    Tome

    Customer

  • 2.0/5

    Was a special experience.

    But far to expensive for what it is. Price is not justified. Dissapointing. Simply commerce.

    Reviewed over 5 years ago and experienced in February 2019

    Gaudenz Schnell's avatar

    Gaudenz Schnell

    Customer

  • 3.0/5

    Fascinating experience but there are so many visitors bussed out there and it is so efficiently run that it taints the authenticity of the experience somewhat.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016

    UNITED KINGDOM
    Jessica Freeland's avatar

    Jessica Freeland

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Great opportunity to get closer to the Maori lifestyle.

    Nice performance, great food, very interesting.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016

  • 4.0/5

    Small 'maori' village, a little old, informative.

    Super touristy, all you can eat buffet was good. Traditional hangi meal.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016

    UNITED STATES
    Rachael and Nik's avatar

    Rachael and Nik

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    It was one of the best experiences I have ever had.

    The food was amazing and we learnt so much about the Maori culture. The performance was amazing and powerful and their was some eye candy on the stage extra bonus points. I recommend this maori experience to anyone and I would go back a second time

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago

    Ebony Reed's avatar

    Ebony Reed

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    Good, a bit expensive.

    Enjoyed the Village and dances mainly.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

    UNITED STATES
    Pat Dye's avatar

    Pat Dye

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    We wanted to do a Maori experience - this one was all we could have hoped for.

    Learning the Haka, food (hangi) from the ground and fun activities. However, only downside, felt a bit like sheep as lots of tourists!

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago and experienced in November 2015

    Elizabeth Nash's avatar

    Elizabeth Nash

    Customer

  • 2.0/5

    Was a special experience.

    But far to expensive for what it is. Price is not justified. Dissapointing. Simply commerce.

    Reviewed over 5 years ago and experienced in February 2019

    Gaudenz Schnell's avatar

    Gaudenz Schnell

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    We could be picked up almost anywhere, which was nice.

    We saw the village, we interacted with the people there and we had a great feast. I recommend this very much.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016

    DENMARK
    Bjorn Nielsen's avatar

    Bjorn Nielsen

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    The best experience of our holiday until now.

    The cultural activities and the Hangi, everything was fantastic.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016

    NETHERLANDS
    Gretha's avatar

    Gretha

    Customer

  • 3.0/5

    Fascinating experience but there are so many visitors bussed out there and it is so efficiently run that it taints the authenticity of the experience somewhat.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016

    UNITED KINGDOM
    Jessica Freeland's avatar

    Jessica Freeland

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    The Maori Villagers explained about their lifestyle and ways of living in a very interactive way that made the crowd be involved and experience it with them.

    Very nice driver who waited for us when needed.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016

    ISRAEL
    Tome's avatar

    Tome

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    Small 'maori' village, a little old, informative.

    Super touristy, all you can eat buffet was good. Traditional hangi meal.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016

    UNITED STATES
    Rachael and Nik's avatar

    Rachael and Nik

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    Good, a bit expensive.

    Enjoyed the Village and dances mainly.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

    UNITED STATES
    Pat Dye's avatar

    Pat Dye

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Great opportunity to get closer to the Maori lifestyle.

    Nice performance, great food, very interesting.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016

  • 4.0/5

    We wanted to do a Maori experience - this one was all we could have hoped for.

    Learning the Haka, food (hangi) from the ground and fun activities. However, only downside, felt a bit like sheep as lots of tourists!

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago and experienced in November 2015

    Elizabeth Nash's avatar

    Elizabeth Nash

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    It was one of the best experiences I have ever had.

    The food was amazing and we learnt so much about the Maori culture. The performance was amazing and powerful and their was some eye candy on the stage extra bonus points. I recommend this maori experience to anyone and I would go back a second time

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago

    Ebony Reed's avatar

    Ebony Reed

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    Too expensive: tour should have taken 3 hours, was 2 and a half and more than half the time was spent for dinner.

    Not much information about Maori culture was given.

    Reviewed almost 9 years ago and experienced in January 2015

    GERMANY
    Damaris Mayer's avatar

    Damaris Mayer

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    Loved this but was a shame about the weather.

    Make sure if it is cold that you expect it to be freezing at village. So wear covered shoes and long pants and a jacket.

    Was a little wet and windy as we were outside for some demonstrations.

    Food was beautiful but be sure you eat something prior to going as it is quite a while before you sit down to eat meal.

    Awesome Haka, singing, dancing and explanations of history.

    Reviewed over 9 years ago

    AUSTRALIA
    Emma Keegan's avatar

    Emma Keegan

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    Nice performance, nice food at the end, just a bit expensive.

    Reviewed over 9 years ago

    FRANCE
    Blandine Giusti's avatar

    Blandine Giusti

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    Awesome experience, very touristic and quite expensive.

    But very impressive and interesting (and the food was great!)

    Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in March 2014

    NETHERLANDS
    Sanne Meijer's avatar

    Sanne Meijer

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    You go to a village where they show you how they lived ages ago before Europeans arrived.

    They made you a huge dinner in the end and it is delicious!

    Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014

    FINLAND
    Laura's avatar

    Laura

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Very well organised and enjoyable.

    Good food.

    Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014

    IRELAND
    Charlotte Casey's avatar

    Charlotte Casey

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Excellent evening.

    Very informative and FUN!

    Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014

    CANADA
    Jean Curry's avatar

    Jean Curry

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    Slightly overpriced and touristy but I was in the minority who felt this.

    Enjoyed a beautiful hangi meal though.

    Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014

    UNITED KINGDOM
    Joanna Mulcahy's avatar

    Joanna Mulcahy

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    A good show, good food and interesting.

    Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014

    AUSTRALIA
    Libby's avatar

    Libby

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    We spent a very good evening at the Tamaki Village.

    We learnt a lot about Maori Culture and we enjoyed taking part in the activities. The show was very good and dinner as well. A little bit expensive for backpackers.

    Reviewed over 10 years ago

    FRANCE
    Lea Darotchetche's avatar

    Lea Darotchetche

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    Very good but there are too many people.

    It feels more like theatre.

    Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in January 2014

    GERMANY
    Marco Newald's avatar

    Marco Newald

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    Very expensive, however the dinner was very delicious and you can eat as much as you want.

    The presentation of the Maori culture in the theatre was interesting and well presented.

    Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in January 2014

    GERMANY
    Magdalene Zech's avatar

    Magdalene Zech

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    Really liked the show and the cultural demonstrations.

    The people are very friendly. Good food and plenty of it. My wife suggest a snack before you go as the meal was served at about 9 P.M.

    Reviewed almost 11 years ago

    UNITED STATES
    Brian's avatar

    Brian

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    Good food, but really expensive and totally touristic.

    Reviewed about 11 years ago and experienced in February 2013

    GERMANY
    Selina Lott's avatar

    Selina Lott

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Great food!

    Reviewed over 11 years ago

  • 4.0/5

    Interesting but we speak english very badly so we do not understand the explanations.

    Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in February 2013

    FRANCE
    Guillot's avatar

    Guillot

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    We carefully deliberated about which cultural experience to attend and chose Tamaki for its peaceful location in the forest south of Rotorua.

    We had a wonderful bus trip from town to the Village where were were educated with humor by our driver with about the traditions and we were formed into a tribe under "Chief Bob". It was an honor to observe/participate in the welcoming ceremony and to be educated as to what was to be our culturally appropriate response. We were escorted through the village and respectfully given the opportunity to "volunteer" to participate in a variety of activities. It was a lot of fun to learn games and skills designed to teach and refine skills essential for the tribes to function and succeed. We also learned much about the native arts of things such as carving and tatooing. Teaching the men the art of the Haka was a highlight! It was interesting to see the earthen ovens and to see the food removed from the earth. It was a privilege to have the members of this family share with us the traditions of their music and movement followed by a delicious meal. It was an enjoyable and entertaining evening. Any experience that touches and moves you and changes you in some way is a good thing! Thank you Tamaki Maori Village for warmly welcoming us and for sharing your ways. We hope to return one day.

    Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in February 2013

    UNITED STATES
    Jill Fischer's avatar

    Jill Fischer

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    We had a very short one week trip to the North Island only of NZ and one of the most interesting experiences along the way was our visit to the Tamaki Maori Village.

    Our bus driver was DENNIS (the Menace...his own added comment)...which gives you an indication of how entertaining our journey to the Village was. He was able to weave his humour in amongst all the cultural and historical information that he gave us along the way, making the trip interesting and enjoyable. The traditional ancient ceremonial welcome to the Village was spellbinding and humbling, the seriousness and sincerity of its performance is something to remember for a lifetime. As we toured through the village, it was very well organized to accommodate the number of visitors and allow you to be able to witness or take part in the cultural displays being presented, smooth flowing from one exhibit to another. The entertainment was authentic and heart moving to experience, beautiful, powerful singing and dancing and then the plentiful feast afterwards was delicious. (Although a demonstration of the actually cooking/removing of the earth from the hangi pit would have been wonderful to see). Once again, the organization by the staff – always patient and courteous - and the smooth flowing of so many visitors amazed me and made our visit truly a wonderful memory.

    Thank you DENNIS for sharing with us a part of your culture, which in itself was displayed by your patient, kind and humorous nature.

    Reviewed over 11 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    This cultural experience was well worth it.

    The hangi was impressive and very delicious.

    Reviewed over 11 years ago

    CANADA
    Kyle Guffei's avatar

    Kyle Guffei

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Was a great way to experience Maori culture.

    Had the most amazing time. Our bus driver was awesome and the knowledge he shared about the area was amazing. The tour guide, village tour and show were absolutely wonderful. And the food was delectable.

    Thanks Tamaki Whanau for an amazing experience

    Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in January 2013

    NEW ZEALAND
    Farrell Burns's avatar

    Farrell Burns

    Customer