How to Plan Your Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet Tour in Rotorua

Rotorua is known for its geothermal wonders and rich Maori culture. A visit to Mitai Maori Village offers a unique opportunity to experience the customs and traditions of the indigenous Maori people while enjoying a dinner buffet. In this article, we guide you on how to plan your tour to Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua.

Highlights of the Tour

Mitai Maori Village offers a culturally immersive tour that takes you through a journey of Maori traditions and a spectacular dinner buffet. Here are the highlights of the tour:

– Take part in a Maori cultural experience
– See the uplifting of the traditional earth-cooked hangi
– Watch the formidable haka war dance
– Go on a bush walk to learn about the flora and fauna, see glow worms and view the sacred Fairy Spring

The Tour Experience

The Mitai Maori Village tour begins with a pick-up from your Rotorua accommodation if the option is selected. You will be greeted by a beautiful Maori maiden dressed in traditional attire who will provide you with the guidelines to enter the sacred site.

Once at the village, a Maori chief will be selected from your group to represent those visiting the village. You will then witness warriors in traditional dress paddling an ancient warrior canoe down the Wai-o-whiro stream, with an abundance of glow worms providing an incredible backdrop.

You will be entertained with a concert of Maori songs and dances, which ends with the spine-tingling war dance. The tour also includes a beautiful display of the uplifting of the traditional earth-cooked hangi, which is rich in flavor and includes a selection of meats and vegetables. A bush walk with an experienced guide is also included, where you will learn about the flora and fauna of the area, see glow worms, and visit the sacred Fairy Spring.

Booking Your Tour

To book your Mitai Maori Village tour in Rotorua, head to GetYourGuide.com. The tour is competitively priced and is inclusive of pickup and drop-off from Rotorua accommodations if the option is selected. It is important to book your tour in advance to avoid disappointments as spaces often sell out quickly.

Safety Precautions

Mitai Maori Village operates with only the highest safety standards. The team maintains a clean and safe environment, so you can enjoy your experience without any worries. While at the village, all participants will be required to remove footwear and tiptoe around the sacred grounds as a sign of respect to the ancestors.

Conclusion

The Mitai Maori Village tour in Rotorua offers a unique cultural experience that you won’t find anywhere else. From the performances to the hangi dinner, this tour is a must-do for anyone interested in learning about the Maori culture. So don’t delay, book your tour today, and immerse yourself in the rich customs of the Maori people.

Top Frequently Asked Questions About Rotorua

Rotorua is a beautiful city situated in the Bay of Plenty region, North Island, New Zealand. Its surroundings are bestowed with natural beauty and geothermal areas, conveying a magical experience to visitors. Travelers love to come here and explore this exciting town from the underground cascading waterfalls to the relaxing spas. In this post, we will answer the top frequently asked questions about Rotorua for travelers who plan to visit.

1. What is the best time to visit Rotorua?

Rotorua has a temperate, healthy climate all year round, making it a pleasant place to visit anytime. While the peak season is usually from December to February, the best months to visit are from March to May and September to November. The weather is pleasant and mild, and fewer crowds can be expected than during the peak season.

2. What are the must-see attractions in Rotorua?

Rotorua is famous for its natural hot springs, geothermal fields, and Maori culture. There are many tourist attractions that you cannot miss when visiting Rotorua, such as:

a. Te Puia

Te Puia is an iconic tourist attraction that covers 60 hectares of geothermal paradise. Here you can experience the geothermal forces and cultural depth of the Maori people by watching the cultural performances, exploring geysers, hot mud pools, and steam vents.

b. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a remarkable experience that must not be missed when in Rotorua. It has 18 carat gold pools, the world-famous Champagne pool, and the Lady Knox Geyser. These natural phenomenons are sure to leave you in awe.

c. Skyline Rotorua

Skyline Rotorua offers great views of the city and the surrounding forests from the Gondola. With a variety of exciting activities such as luge rides, mountain biking, and stargazing experiences, it’s worth the visit.

d. Redwoods TreeWalk Rotorua

Experience the lush beauty of the Redwoods and marvel at the magical night lights. Along the way, you can stop at the viewing platforms amidst the treetops that give a glimpse into the beauty of the forest.

3. What is the Maori culture in Rotorua?

Rotorua has a rich Maori culture and heritage that must not be missed. It’s a unique cultural experience to explore, and visitors must see a Haka performance.

a. Traditional Maori Hangi Feast

A visit to Rotorua is incomplete without a traditional Maori Hangi feast. It’s cooked in an earth oven known as Hangi and is a delicious delicacy. This dining experience combines the traditional food with music, dance, and storytelling.

b. Tamaki Maori Village

Tamaki Maori Village offers a great insight into Maori heritage and culture. You can experience cultural dances and traditional Maori crafts.

c. Te Puia

Te Puia is an authentic Maori experience, which includes cultural performances like the Poi dance, Haka, and traditional carving and weaving.

4. What are the best places to stay in Rotorua?

Rotorua offers a wide range of accommodations, from hotels to luxury lodges to camping sites.

a. Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Distinction Hotel Rotorua is a luxury hotel situated in the heart of the city. It offers elegant rooms with private balconies, along with the famous Day Spa.

b. Rydges Rotorua

Rydges Rotorua is a romantic hotel with a lush garden and an outdoor pool. It offers deluxe rooms and breakfast to its guests.

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c. Holiday Parks

Holiday parks offer a wide range of accommodation options, from camping sites to cabins. They are perfect for families and have easy access to all the major Rotorua attractions.

5. What is the cost of visiting Rotorua?

Rotorua offers a great range of accommodation and attraction options to suit any budget. The cost of visiting Rotorua depends on the type of accommodation and activities you choose.

On average, you can find accommodation for around $100 NZD per night, and attraction tickets range from $30-$60 NZD per person.

a. Budget-friendly options

Campervans and Holiday parks offer budget-friendly options for travelers who plan to visit Rotorua. They offer simple and comfortable living, along with all the necessary amenities.

b. Mid-range options

Hotels and lodges offer mid-range options for visitors who want to explore Rotorua’s sights and attractions with the added touch of luxury.

c. Luxury options

Luxury lodges and hotels such as Solitaire Lodge and Peppers on the Point offer complete customization of your Rotorua experience with a focus on high-end services and facilities.

Conclusion

Rotorua is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich destinations in New Zealand. It’s a place that must be on your bucket list. This post has addressed the most frequently asked questions about the city, from its must-see attractions to its cultural heritage to suitable accommodations. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning after a long time, Rotorua will always offer you unforgettable experiences.