Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū

Rotorua , New Zealand

Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū

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(1477 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, its blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre.

Te Pā Tū offers 3-hour evening events that change with each season of the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

Across summer, Tū Te Rā celebrates an abundant harvest, and we explore concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace.

Throughout winter, Tū Te Ihi marks promise heralded by the arrival of the Matariki star cluster which high and bright in winter skies, signalling the new lunar year – we share the energy and passion of this celebration.

Cultural knowledge unique to each season is shared from the outset – rituals, songs, stories and continue across the night. From the beginning too, we share local, seasonal kai - plentiful and delicious. Kai horotai (indigenous canapes) is followed by a torch lit walk to a lavish 3-course fusion feast.

Available options

Te Pā Tū - 5.00pm (Oct-Apr)

Pickup included

Te Pā Tū - 6.15pm (Oct-Apr)

Pickup included

Te Pā Tū - 6.15pm (May-Sept)

Pickup included

Te Pā Tū - 7.30pm (Oct-Apr)

Pickup included

Te Pā Tū - 5.00pm (May-Sept)

Pickup included

Te Pā Tū - Māori cuisine

Pickup included

What's included

Māori Cultural Performance

Traditional welcome ceremony

Māori fusion feast

Air-conditioned vehicle

Return transport from central Meeting Point

What's not included

Gratuities

Alcoholic Beverages

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

643 reviews

5★

540

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

834 reviews

5★

698

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Camera and Video usage is permitted throughout the entire evening experience.

Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark

PLEASE RECONFIRM YOUR BOOKING 24 HOURS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL

Important notes

IMPORTANT: reconfirm your booking 24 hours prior to arrival.

Do you have any dietary requirements?
What country are you from?

We pickup from major hotels in Rotorua city only.
If you are NOT staying at one of these please meet at our TE PA TU Gathering Place, 1220 Hinemaru Street, Rotorua.

5pm Experience - meet at our Gathering Place at 4.15pm
6.15pm Experience - meet at our Gathering Place 5.30pm
7.30pm Experience - meet at our Gathering Place 6.45pm

From here you will board our coach and we will take you to our village 12kms South of Rotorua .

About Rotorua

Rotorua is renowned for its geothermal activity, Maori culture, and stunning natural landscapes. The city is a hub for geothermal wonders, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pools, making it a unique and appealing destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

Top Attractions

Te Puia

Te Puia is a geothermal park and cultural center showcasing Maori culture and geothermal activity. Visitors can see geysers, mud pools, and traditional Maori performances.

Nature/Cultural 2-3 hours $45-60 NZD

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

This geothermal park features colorful hot springs, geysers, and bubbling mud pools. It's one of the most visited attractions in Rotorua.

Nature 2-3 hours $38 NZD

Redwoods Treewalk

A unique night walk through the Redwoods forest on illuminated platforms. The experience offers a magical view of the towering trees and the night sky.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours $50-70 NZD

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hangi

A traditional Maori feast cooked in an earth oven using geothermal heat. The meal typically includes meat, kumara (sweet potato), and vegetables.

Dinner Can be adapted for vegetarian and vegan diets

Whitebait Fritters

A delicacy made from tiny whitebait fish, mixed with egg and fried into a fritter. It's a popular dish in the region.

Lunch Contains fish

Rewena Bread

A traditional Maori bread made from fermented potato and flour, cooked in a hangi or oven.

Breakfast/Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Ziplining Mountain biking White water rafting Black water rafting Spa treatments Hot spring soaking Scenic walks Maori cultural experiences

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season in Rotorua, offering warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time for outdoor activities and exploring the geothermal attractions.

21-25°C 70-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Maori
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rotorua is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, it's always important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited services or tours
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Rotorua Regional Airport • 5 km from city center

By bus

Rotorua Bus Depot

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and affordable, with frequent services to key locations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Rotorua Central Ohinemutu

Day trips

Waitomo Caves

100 km from Rotorua • Full day

The Waitomo Caves are famous for their stunning limestone formations and glowworm caves. Visitors can take guided tours through the caves and experience the magical glowworm displays.

Taupo

60 km from Rotorua • Half day to full day

Taupo is a lakeside town known for its stunning natural beauty and adventure activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, kayaking, and exploring the nearby geothermal parks.

Festivals

Rotorua Festival of Lights • Late November to early January

Pro tips

Visit geothermal parks early in the morning to avoid crowds and see the geysers erupt
Book cultural experiences and tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons
Try local Maori cuisine, such as hangi and rewena bread, for an authentic Rotorua experience
Pack layered clothing, as the weather can change quickly and geothermal activity can make the air feel warmer
Use the AT HOP card for discounted fares on public transport