Discover Maori CultureOver 1000 years ago, the ancestors of Maori departed their homeland of Hawaikinui, setting out in numbers of massive Waka (canoes) in search of a new land. The story of their migration is a fascinating one in and of itself, as these first seafarers navigated the vast oceans using only sub-tropical wind systems and the stars to guide their path. The journey was long, and the legends and stories borne from this time are still told today. Some of these stories you will hear during your visit to Tamaki Maori Village Rotorua.
The land mass that these great explorers discovered and ultimately settled was here, New Zealand – but known and named then by the people as Aotearoa, meaning Land of the Long White Cloud.
Maori lived and thrived in Aotearoa for many hundreds of years before European colonization in the late 18th Century. Living as familial tribes (iwi) on tribal land, Maori further developed their cultural traditions, beliefs and sacred rituals - handed down orally, generation to generation, and still in place today.
This tikanga (Maori customs, culture) includes many legends about ancient peoples and Maori gods. From the revered Polynesian explorer Kupe, commander of many migrating waka, to the many important Gods of the natural world, you will hear many of the stories of Maori mythology during your experience at Tamaki Maori Village Rotorua. You will also see many of these stories as pictures and symbols, played out as massive carvings that form the walls of our sacred whare (meeting house).
Central to the Maori culture are the traditions of song and dance. The spine-tingling haka (traditional dance) and powerful harmonies of Maori waiata (song) were ways for Maori to share and protect their stories and these art forms are rooted in deep meaning. During your visit at Tamaki Maori Village Rotorua you will experience the unforgettable power of Maori song and dance as our people perform proudly for you.
The ancient art of ta moko and taniko - or Maori Tattooing - is still practiced today in the traditional way, using bone chisels. Traditional tattoos provide the wearer with a spiritual link to their families, tribes and ancestors. You will learn about and see some of these beautiful Tattoos at Tamaki Maori Village Rotorua.
Ancient rituals are integral to the Maori Culture. We look forward to sharing some of these with you, including the Powhiri – a ritual of challenge and then welcome as you enter our village. The hongi is the traditional Maori greeting. It is done by pressing one’s nose to another person’s, thereby sharing the ha – the breath of life. After the hongi you are no longer considered a guest in our village, but rather, one of our people. You will experience all of this first-hand at Tamaki Maori Village Rotorua.
Hospitality of guests and the sharing of food and drink are central to the Maori way of life. We invite you to experience the warmth and humour of your Maori hosts at Tamaki Village Rotorua , and enjoy a 3 course meal. You’ll discover the succulent flavours of traditional Maori Cooking with a hangi meal prepared just as our ancestors did, in an earth-oven. Your hangi is complemented by traditional Maori bread, fresh seafood and more.
Maori are a proud people, and we love sharing our stories, our history and our rich culture with visitors. Tamaki Maori Village Rotorua offers a window to our world, and a glimpse back in time.
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Book online now!
Experience a 3.5 hour journey into the heart of Maori Culture… Includes a superb 3 course buffet meal, including authentic Maori Hangi food! Visit us and discover why we are the most award-winning cultural tourism attraction in Rotorua and in New Zealand...
Book online now
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