| The cultural experience the world is talking about. 3.5 hours. Departs evenings, every day except December 25 (Christmas Day).
A visit to Rotorua is not complete without participating in a traditional Maori Hangi and Feast. No other dining experience offers such an evening to remember. Tamaki Maori Village will take you on a cultural journey back onto the marae (Maori Village) where the life force of this country's indigenous people is strongest.
The journey through time unfolds when your coach travels to a pre-European village set deep within the forest 15 minutes from Rotorua. The coach turns imaginatively into a Maori canoe (waka) and everyone on board paddles toward the village. Your guide will instruct you on the protocol for visiting Marae (meeting grounds). A chief is selected, a song learnt and the eerie cry of the welcome is heard before entering into a world of ancient Maori and proud warriors.
You will experience the Powhiri (welcome ceremony) before you enter the village with crackling open fires in front of traditional whare (houses). Hear ancient Maori instruments and see the activity of days gone by. In the wharenui (meeting house), Rangiatea culture group offers a powerful display of haka, song and dance. As new friendships are forged, dine on the traditional hangi, where the food is cooked slowly beneath the ground in earthen ovens.
You now have time to mingle with our people and enjoy the Tribal Market Place, where you will find taonga (treasures) and other items of significance to Maori, such as bone carvings, jewelry and more which are for sale in a selection of whare (houses) located around the market place.
The evening ends with the 'Poroporoaki', the official closing ceremony. There will be waiata (song) and whaikorerero (speeches). Your guides will escort you out to your coach, and you will depart for your safe journey back to your accommodation.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off. Please advise your full hotel name at time of booking.
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