One time, I saw a trending video over the internet about the New Zealand rugby team performing Haka ritual-- a war dance where warriors would show aggressive facial expression like bulging of the eyes, tongues out, grunting, beating their weapons and stomping of feet and the NZ sports team usually do this before the start of the game. The haka was very very intimidating, scary and entertaining at the same time (try searching it on YouTube!). That trending video was my very first knowledge about the Maori tribes and so I was excited to immerse myself more into their culture when we visited the Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua.
My hubby and I booked the Mitai Evening Experience which costs around NZ$116 per adult (2017 price). The tour includes an authentic Maori Hangi meal (unlimited dinner buffet), cultural performances, and a guided native bush walk to check out the animals at night including glow worms.
The tour started with a buffet dinner as the first agenda. While waiting for the food to be ready, the Maori maidens greeted each guests wearing their traditional clothing with moko kauae or tattoo worn on their chin. The banquet hall is huge. The host welcomed all the guests and called each table to ask which country we came from and boy he's good at engaging a huge crowd! He knows at least a word or phrase per country! Nice personal touch to instantly make us feel welcomed.
The host guided us outside to show how they cook their traditional food in a Hangi--an underground oven where they usually cook potatoes, chicken, turkey, and veggies.
Food was great and so tasty! Definitely one of the best dishes we ate in NZ. I really liked the clam chowder with humongous bits of real lobsters and other seafood. I think I had 3 servings at that time. They also have a full bar facilities but it's not part of the buffet package.
After dinner, we were guided outside to watch a show of ancient warriors in a Waka or a canoe going down the stream of Wai-O-Whiro.
Next, we watched a cultural Maori show. The performers were very entertaining. They sang and danced poi and of course, the famous haka.
Finally, after the cultural show, we were taken outside again and we walked around the bush to look for some local animals and plants and the famous glow worms of Rotorua. Honestly, you can save money by skipping the Waitamo Glow Worm & Ruakari Cave Tour in Waitamo (if you plan to go there) and just avail this Mitai Maori Night Experience because the glow worms in Waitamo in my opinion is not really worth it--just okay but can be skipped.
Overall, I'm glad we were able to experience and learn more about the Mitai Maori culture in Rotorua. The experience is authentic, entertaining, educational, and food is awesome. This is truly value for money and great for small and big groups of family or friends.
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