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Guided Tours

Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience & Buffet Dinner

Maori performers in traditional attire at Mitai Maori Cultural Experience, New Zealand.
Warriors in traditional attire paddling a canoe on Wai o Whiro stream at Mitai Maori Village.
Clear spring and lush forest at Mitai Maori Village, New Zealand.
Traditional Maori feast with roast meats, vegetables, and salad at Mitai Maori Cultural Experience.

Duration

3 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience
4.7/5(37)

Diana L

Group
Verified booking
Apr 2026
I cannot find a highlight of the Mitai Experience as the whole evening was wonderful from beginning to end! I felt really immersed in the culture, history and stories told. The bush walk, waka warriors, glowworms and cultural performance were superb and I'm only sorry that I'm not a huge eater and was unable to manage seconds of the absolutely delicious hanging! My thanks to all the wonderful staff, performers and whanau. I would recommend the Mitai Experience to anyone!

Daniel M

Couple
Verified booking
Mar 2026
The dinner was delicious with lots of variety and great desserts and coffee was nice with dessert. Unfortunately it was a very rainy evening and the outside portions were somewhat difficult. The foot-ing was difficult and could have been dangerous during the last little parade outside after the show. The second walkabout outside could have been eliminated tonight due to the rain. However, the umbrellas were much appreciated.

Peter M

Couple
Verified booking
Feb 2026
We loved the food & the event. The only issue was the information supplied by Headout about the pickup from our hotel. The email said 18:15 pickup be there 15 minutes early. The coach turned before 18:00. So we missed the pickup. The hotel contacted the event & another coach was sent out to pick us. So we missed the very beginning on the show.

Rodney B

Couple
Verified booking
Feb 2026
The night and entertainment at the Matai Maori village was excellent. The only disappointment was someone forgot to pick us up at the hotel and we had to organise other transport.

John B

Group
Verified booking
Jan 2026
An entertaining evening and interesting introduction to Maori culture. The hosts were very helpful, as we needed to arrange a pick up. The food was fine and the whole evening was nicely paced.

Tng W

Family
Verified booking
Dec 2025
It's great to learn about a culture, especially from the people who lives it. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, from the performance to the night walk...... best part is we don't feel this is being commercialised but rather a very educational experience. Keep it this way please......
    • Be regaled with creative storytelling around the history, culture, and traditions of this village.

    • After a welcoming ceremony, a traditional meal is unveiled and set to slow cook in an earth oven for consumption at the end of your visit.

    • You will be privy to warriors paddling down the Wai-o-Whiro stream by canoe, and cultural performances galore.

    • Stroll through nature and see an ancient fortified village, the spring of Te Puna Tapu o Tuhoe, and glow worms illuminating the forest.

    • Discover the ways of living, natural resources, and survival techniques used by indigenous peoples.

    • Wind down with authentic food cooked in a hāngī pit, and engage in a lively question and answer session.

    • 3-hour experience at Mitai Maori Village

    • Complete buffet hāngī dinner experience.

    • Cultural Maori show and welcoming ceremony

    • Q and A session

    • Guided bush walk

    • Entry to Te Puna Tapu o Tuhoe spring

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • 37 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    31
    4
    1
    0
    1
    Australia
    United States
    Singapore
    United Kingdom
    Brunei
    Switzerland
    Italy
    Sweden
    India
    Canada
    Australia
    United States
    Singapore
    United Kingdom
    Brunei
    Switzerland
    Italy
    Sweden
    India
    Canada
    Guests from Australia, United States, Singapore and over 11 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Diana L

    Group
    Verified booking
    Apr 2026
    I cannot find a highlight of the Mitai Experience as the whole evening was wonderful from beginning to end! I felt really immersed in the culture, history and stories told. The bush walk, waka warriors, glowworms and cultural performance were superb and I'm only sorry that I'm not a huge eater and was unable to manage seconds of the absolutely delicious hanging! My thanks to all the wonderful staff, performers and whanau. I would recommend the Mitai Experience to anyone!

    Rajath S

    Family
    Verified booking
    3 weeks ago
    Cultural tour and show was the best experience.

    Daniel M

    Couple
    Verified booking
    Mar 2026
    The dinner was delicious with lots of variety and great desserts and coffee was nice with dessert. Unfortunately it was a very rainy evening and the outside portions were somewhat difficult. The foot-ing was difficult and could have been dangerous during the last little parade outside after the show. The second walkabout outside could have been eliminated tonight due to the rain. However, the umbrellas were much appreciated.

    Lim B

    Group
    Verified booking
    Mar 2026
    Our host was really amazing, Mr Sir David! Please give him a shoutout 🙏

    Stephen W

    Group
    Verified booking
    Mar 2026
    The cultural experience, the welcoming people
  • Start your evening by being welcomed to the Mitai Maori Village, where a traditional ceremony awaits. You’ll witness warriors paddle down the Wai-o-Whiro stream in authentic canoes, offering a glimpse into ancient Māori life. The evening includes the unveiling of your hangi dinner—cooked underground using hot stones. Watch as steam rises and the meal is unearthed before your eyes.

    As you enjoy your buffet feast, which features everything from succulent lamb to flavorful seafood, the cultural show begins. You'll see captivating performances, including the famous haka, poi dances, and Māori songs, all presented with passion and pride. Throughout the night, you’ll have opportunities to ask questions and engage with the performers, deepening your understanding of Māori traditions.

    The experience includes a nature walk with a guide who will explain how the Māori people lived in harmony with their environment in the ancient fortified village. At night, the forest lights up with native glowworms, adding a magical touch to this cultural experience.

  • What to bring

    • Dress in layers for changing weather conditions. Bring a hat for sun protection, a jacket in case of rain, and an insect repellant. Comfortable shoes with good traction are essential for the bush walk.

    What's not allowed

    • Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted inside. There is a bar available onsite.

    Accessibility

    • The forest walk has limitations for wheelchair accessibility. The stairs, uneven surfaces, and platform-based canoe viewing may pose challenges for wheelchair users.

    Additional information

    • Maori Kai often includes ingredients that may not meet all dietary needs, such as vegan options, though some requests can be accommodated.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

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