Mitai Maori Village was honestly one of my favorite experiences in Rotorua. It’s so important to take the time to understand and respect the culture and history of the places you visit, and Mitai Maori Village is the perfect opportunity to do just that. While the $169 price tag for the 3-hour experience might seem steep, I think it’s totally worth it. The evening starts with a welcoming ceremony, followed by a traditional canoe ride down the Wai-o-Whiro stream. My favorite part was definitely the cultural show, where you get to see powerful traditional dances and songs, including the fiery Haka.

After the show, you’ll enjoy a delicious Hangi buffet, then take a walk through nature to explore an ancient fortified village. Along the way, you’ll learn about the old ways of life, the survival of the people, and visit the Te Puna Tapu o Tuhoe spring, which is sacred to the Māori. To wrap up the night, you can spot some glow worms, which makes for the perfect ending to this immersive cultural experience.