Best Maori Culture in Rotorua

Local Recommendations from our My Guide Rotorua team

Rotorua is one of the country's centres of Maori Culture. Buried and recreated villages, and a real desire to hold onto the songs, stories and ceremonies of New Zealand's indigenous people, make Maori Culture in Rotorua, a must-do experience.

Rotorua Maori Culture is an important part of life in the city. There are several reconstructions of Maori villages, which give visitors a real flavour of how the Maori, ancient and modern, live. You can watch authentic performances of Maori haka and dancing, take part in ancient welcoming ceremonies, and even savour a traditional Maori feast (hangi). These villages are hugely inspiring and educational. The night time performances, especially, have a spiritual atmosphere all their own. Most of the large hotels will offer discounted tickets to these shows, or you can buy direct. Shop around for the attraction that suits you. There are also a couple of art galleries in the CBD, which dedicate themselves to Maori arts and crafts. The Bay of Plenty has a number of Maori attractions and tours to learn and appreciate the traditions of the Maori.