Guided Tours

Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience & Buffet Dinner

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.

42 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.
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Guests from Australia, United States, United Kingdom and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Seydoux J
Group
Verified booking
Aug 2026
The walk in the bush with the gloworms
Julian P
Couple
Verified booking
Aug 2026
The songs of the Maori and the food
Rajath S
Family
Verified booking
Apr 2026
Cultural tour and show was the best experience.
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.

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.

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