Embrace Maori history and culture with this unique experience in Mitai Maori Village. Watch stories unfold through the dynamic scenes of Maori warriors paddling down the Wai-o-Whiro stream, the melodious sounds of instruments and entertainment from the performers sharing the haka or war dance to poi dances and more. Enjoy a walk through the ngahere (forest) to see the ancient, fortified village learning the old ways of living and survival of Maori people. Discover the natural resource Te Puna a Tuhoe, a sacred freshwater spring. The evening is not over until you glimpse the glow worms light up the banks of the forest as the veil of darkness engulfs the forest.
Afterwards, indulge in a traditional hangi buffet, food of the Great Ocean of Kiwa. Your hāngī earth oven kai (food) includes meat, chicken, kumara and much more. The hāngī is cooked in an earth-oven, a hole 1-2m into the ground, the baskets of kai are placed on hot stones at the bottom of a hāngī pit. The kai is then covered to trap the heat, the steam and heat from heated hāngī stones infuses the kai with delicious earthy flavours while it cooks for 3-4 hours. This cultural experience is unlike any other, giving you a traditional and touching look into the ancient Maori culture.