An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture.
Arriving at this natural bush setting, warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient Maori waka (canoe) down the Wai-o-whire stream, perfectly setting the mood for the coming experience.
Dressed in their cultural garb, you will witness a Maori concert, featuring the haka, or dance, while you enjoy the local flavours of a hangi meal. A method of cooking which has been handed down for generations, ‘laying down a hangi’, or preparing the meal, involves digging a pit in the ground, where stones are heated in a large fire before baskets of food are placed on top of the rocks.
Everything is then covered in earth for several hours and the stones themselves often stand as a symbol of the craft, being past along with the traditional methods, between generations.
One of the only opportunities in the Rotorua area to see glow worms in their natural habitat, this encounter will give you a greater understanding of the cultural and natural blend that is New Zealand. Pick up and drop off from central city included.
Get to know the people of the land. Hiking in New Zealand means exploring the landscapes, and getting familiar with the Māori concept of tangata whenua – the idea that the land and the plants, animals and people living on it are connected spiritually and physically.
Trip Ideas
-
New Zealand Uncut Hiking Adventure
New Zealand EscortedExplore diverse landscapes from north to south islands of New Zealand on this 15 day ultimate hiking adventure.
From £6767 Excluding Flights
-
South Island Solo Travellers Tour
New Zealand EscortedSpecially designed for solo travellers, share this comprehensive exploration of the South Island with fellow-adventurers.
From £3410 Excluding Flights
-
Hike and Drive New Zealand
New Zealand Self DriveExplore with your own 4x4 and hike some of New Zealand's best backcountry trails.
From £4619
-
Discover Aotearoa
New Zealand Self DriveThe ultimate self drive covering a lot of ground but with plenty of time to relax too.
From £4199
-
New Zealand by Rail, Cruise and Coach
New Zealand Escorted RailExperience spectacular rail journeys and boat cruises on this escorted group tour.
From £5450 Excluding Flights
-
New Zealand by Motorhome
New Zealand Self DriveThis motorhome itinerary offers you a wonderfully independent self-drive holiday.
From £2184
-
Spectacular North and South
New Zealand Self DriveExplore New Zealand in depth on this well-paced self-drive allowing you to immerse yourself in the country's plentiful wonders.
From £4666
-
East Cape Explorer
New Zealand Self DriveDiscover one of New Zealand's seldom explored regions on this 14-day self-drive holiday following the Pacific Coast Highway around the East Cape of North Island.
From £2444 Excluding Flights
-
North Island Classic
New Zealand Self DriveThis two-week self-drive holiday takes in the highlights of the North Island.
From £1966 Excluding Flights
-
Wildlife Encounters
New Zealand Self DriveTrack down New Zealand's endemic wildlife on this self drive nature tour.
From £5037 Excluding Flights
Blogs
-
New Zealand Uncut Hiking Adventure
New Zealand EscortedExplore diverse landscapes from north to south islands of New Zealand on this 15 day ultimate hiking adventure.
From £6767 Excluding Flights
-
South Island Solo Travellers Tour
New Zealand EscortedSpecially designed for solo travellers, share this comprehensive exploration of the South Island with fellow-adventurers.
From £3410 Excluding Flights
-
Hike and Drive New Zealand
New Zealand Self DriveExplore with your own 4x4 and hike some of New Zealand's best backcountry trails.
From £4619
-
Discover Aotearoa
New Zealand Self DriveThe ultimate self drive covering a lot of ground but with plenty of time to relax too.
From £4199
-
New Zealand by Rail, Cruise and Coach
New Zealand Escorted RailExperience spectacular rail journeys and boat cruises on this escorted group tour.
From £5450 Excluding Flights
-
New Zealand by Motorhome
New Zealand Self DriveThis motorhome itinerary offers you a wonderfully independent self-drive holiday.
From £2184
-
Spectacular North and South
New Zealand Self DriveExplore New Zealand in depth on this well-paced self-drive allowing you to immerse yourself in the country's plentiful wonders.
From £4666
-
East Cape Explorer
New Zealand Self DriveDiscover one of New Zealand's seldom explored regions on this 14-day self-drive holiday following the Pacific Coast Highway around the East Cape of North Island.
From £2444 Excluding Flights
-
North Island Classic
New Zealand Self DriveThis two-week self-drive holiday takes in the highlights of the North Island.
From £1966 Excluding Flights
-
Wildlife Encounters
New Zealand Self DriveTrack down New Zealand's endemic wildlife on this self drive nature tour.
From £5037 Excluding Flights