Trip Planner:   South Pacific  /  New Zealand  /  North Island  /  Bay of Plenty Region  /  Rotorua District  /  Rotorua  /  Historic Sites  /  Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village, Rotorua

4.2
#2 of 6 in Historic Sites in Rotorua
Historic Site Tourist Spot
TICKETS FROM
$26
Learn about and experience traditional Maori culture at Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village, home to indigenous communities for more than five generations. The geothermal activity of the area made it an attractive place to settle, and today you can see demonstrations of how the natural hot springs are used for bathing and cooking, and even sample some traditional food. Cultural performances, guided tours, and a boat cruise provide dynamic ways to learn more about life in a Maori thermal village. A visit to Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village represents just the start of the adventure when you use our Rotorua tourist route planner to plot your vacation.
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Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
1,656 reviews
Google
4.3
  • My family and myself were able to be taken on a guided tour around the maori village by an amazing guide with so much knowledge, her name started with a T, unfortunately I can't remember. It was such ...  more »
  • Whakarewarewa is unlike any tourist village in the area, it's a real living village with residents. The volcanic activity surrounding their homes is amazing and how these people live hand in hand with...  more »
  • I can't recommend this experience highly enough! Whakarewarewa is not just a tourist village, like most in the area, but a living village with real residents. The volcanic activity underneath the home...  more »
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Google
  • A once in a lifetime experience, that is a must-do if you want to learn more about the Maori culture. It can be a very confronting experience when you're watching the presentation, but truly amazing to witness the customs and traditions in such a way. A bonus was to be able to see some of the glow-worms that are so famous in NZ. Also, the spring that provides this village with fresh water is a sight to behold. It's really cool to see the crystal clear water flowing upward into the spring... I've never seen anything like it before.
  • Such an amazing experience. I instantly wanted to go back. They have a few performances during the day. MAKE SURE you schedule when you go so you can see this. It's included for free. Highlight of my time here. There are nice walks around as well
  • Very informative guides that tell you new info depending on which one you get. Also, if you buy jade (pounamu) or carved bone, buy it from the shop in the village. Ralph is such an awesome person and carver! You will also know your item wasn't mass produced!
  • very good experiences. Walking along the village with the local guides, seeing how they live and enjoy time in the peaceful village and the dance
  • The tour was super interesting. The guides are very proud, and very good. Plenty of stories, plenty of information. Cool stuff to see, cool pictures to take. A good thing to read first what's at the information/ticketing center outside the village (anyway you need the tickets!) Basically a great afternoon well invested.
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Where to stay in Rotorua

Rotorua has a range of different accommodations, mainly centered around the lake itself. In this downtown area you will find luxury hotels and hostels, many benefitting from good views of the surrounding scenery. Farther out of the town, comfortable motels offer those with a car a good option for setting up a base from which to explore the area. Campers and others wanting to enjoy the outdoors as soon as possible can opt for campsites and RV parks, all best accessed by car or taxi.
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