Product Overview

OUR PEOPLE, OUR CULTURE & OUR VILLAGE

ABOUT OUR LIVING MĀORI VILLAGE

Whakarewarewa Village is the legacy and home of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, who have been sharing their unique way of life with visitors from all around the world for over two hundred years.

Able to trace their ancestry back to the Te Arawa people who first occupied the valley in 1325, generations of guides have been pioneering leaders of tourism in New Zealand. Since the early 1800’s they have been hosting and welcoming guests into their homes and backyards, sharing insights into Māori culture, as well as demonstrating the utilization of the natural geothermal wonders for cooking, bathing and heating. The continuing use of the natural geothermal landscape of the valley continues to delight and fascinate tourists visiting Whakarewarewa today.

The people of Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao have been the trail blazers of the tourism industry in Rotorua and New Zealand. It is our goal to continue the legacy and to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors.

Product Description

WHAKAREWAREWA VILLAGE GUIDED TOUR

Experience the warmth of our Legacy Guided tours through NZ’s iconic living Maori village. Our Village guides are direct descendants of the early Māori guides who’s Legacy shaped tourism in New Zealand for generations. Their insights, knowledge and legendary hospitality (manaakitanga) adds depth and richness to the experience you’ll have at Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village.

On the Whakarewarewa Guided Tour, you will:

• Explore an authentic living Māori village where people live on a daily basis, using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have for centuries.
• View the geothermal wonders of Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley including the world-famous Pōhutu geyser, boiling mud-pools, steam vents and bubbling pools.
• Learn what it’s like to live in the challenging geothermal plateau where daily life includes cooking in the bubbling pools and steam vents, and bathing in the refreshing therapeutic waters. Take in our various historical landmarks and buildings, including an active Marae (meeting grounds and focal point of Maori communities), our WWII Memorial Archway, historic churches, and tapu (sacred) burial grounds. Whakarewarewa is truly NZ’s iconic Living Maori Village experience.

 

Departure Times

Guided tours of 1 to 1.5 hours are at 10am and 12pm daily  (last Entry at 2.15pm) . Book early as there is a maximum of 20 guests per tour to ensure the Safety and Enjoyment of all Visitors.

Duration

1 to 1.5 hours

What To Bring

Comfortable walking shoes & a camera.

Company Info

Whakarewarewa, The Living Maori Village

17 Tryon Street

Whakarewarewa

Rotorua 3010

Open Daily 9am to 3pm